The Internal Security Operations Command in Chonburi trained civil-defense volunteers to use firearms to defend their villages.
Deputy ISOC commander Maj. Gen. Tatsanai Pratumthong opened the nine-day 1st Review Drill of the voluntary development and self-defense squad in Bo Thong District’s Ban Chong village Jan. 25.
ISOC said it organized the practice session to reinforce village security so residents can protect against all kinds of threats and to be ready to solve problems on their own through strong integration of community forces with unity.
Military trainers offered lessons to the 40 participants while firearms instructors led practical drills with shotguns to give civilian volunteers knowledge in using weapons to defend their villages.
The self-defense volunteer program was founded in 1974 during the period where Thailand was battling communist insurgents. Despite decades of peace, the military continues to arm civilians to defend their neighborhoods against “enemies of the state”.
