In May 2025, following the parliamentary debate, the spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, Major General Winthai Suvaree, denied the existence of the operation before the House Committee on National Security, Border Affairs, National Strategy, and National Reform437. However, he stated that the Royal Thai Army does carry out information-gathering activities to build understanding and correct misunderstandings438. This is done through public relations efforts that raise awareness and counter misinformation, all conducted openly439. He further added that, in its counter-operations, the military focuses on individuals who have large followings, including both politicians and academics, because they attract public attention440. Other targets include people who hold negative attitudes toward the armed forces 441. The goal, he said, is to give society another perspective on the issues442. Therefore, army monitoring “should not be” a cause for concern, since the debate will ultimately be settled by facts443. Additionally, the army reaffirmed that it does not position itself as an adversary; it merely seeks to offer society an alternative perspective444. Its primary communication channel is online. If any content is found to be inaccurate or inappropriate, the army follows legal procedures, such as invoking the Computer Crime Act and defamation statutes445. Regarding Facebook pages that claim to represent the military and publish material attacking dissent, the army emphasized that those pages are not official military entities446. If such pages are identified, the army can take legal action to verify the facts and enforce the law447. Despite the Royal Thai Army spokesperson’s statement, the investigation conducted by the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRC) reached a different conclusion. Following the parliamentary revelation, one of the individuals named on the list, Anna Annanon, filed a complaint with the NHRC, requesting an investigation into the matter448. “Winthai Reiterates That the Military Has No IO, Insists the Page Claiming Soldiers’ Names Against Politicians Is Unrelated.” Thai PBS, 1 May 2025, www.thaipbs.or.th/news/content/351751. 438. Ibid. 439. Ibid. 440. Ibid. 441. Ibid. 442. Ibid. 443. Ibid. 444. Ibid. 445. Ibid. 446. Ibid. 447. Ibid. 448. “Activist Calls on the NHRC to Investigate After Finding Her Own Name Listed as an IO Target by the Security Forces.” Prachatai, 27 Mar. 2025, prachatai.com/journal/2025/03/112472. 437. 89