The Director of the Peacebuilding Center refuted claims about the IO network, reaffirming progress on the "Hugumpakat" village charter focused on resolving drug problems and farmland issues.
On 11 June 2026, Lieutenant General Chakrit Ucharattan, Deputy Commander of the Fourth Army Region and Director of the Peacebuilding Center under the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward Command (ISOC Region 4 Forward), explained the center’s mission. He clearly stated that it is not an IO (Information Operation) process as some have suspected. Its primary role is to engage in activities and build understanding with the diverse ethnic and religious communities in the southern border provinces, using a force of over one hundred personnel to drive efforts across all dimensions.
Regarding the "Hugumpakat" project (the 9-Good Village Charter), Major General Chakrit said it draws from Islamic principles established since the time of the Prophet Muhammad, adapting them to strengthen community resilience. This initiative has been ongoing for more than three years and this year received endorsement from the Chularatchamontri (the Supreme Patriarch of Islam in Thailand) as well as the chairpersons of the Islamic Committees in every province. He emphasized that participation is entirely voluntary, with no coercion, aiming to jointly address fundamental issues such as drug abuse, agricultural land rights, and family problems, relying on cooperation among local leaders and religious figures.
"If local leaders, religious leaders, and spiritual leaders collaborate, managing villages and receiving government support will become more effective. I affirm there is no coercion involved, as the chairpersons of the provincial Islamic committees have already given their endorsement. It is entirely voluntary," said Major General Chakrit.
Lieutenant General Chakrit also commented on the recent unrest in the area, where government officials have frequently become targets. He noted that each night, the military deploys nearly 300 patrol units working at full capacity to ensure public safety, though they remain potential targets for opposing forces. Nonetheless, he stressed that the most crucial battle currently is ideological. He expressed confidence that the majority of Muslims understand that Muslim residents in the three southern border provinces receive equal care and treatment as other Thai citizens.