This year’s appointment of a new police chief and the annual reshuffle could spark the most political drama in a decade, says a police source steeped in speculation. The buzz on the streets is that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has handed Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai the weighty responsibility of steering the Police Commission’s ship.
One of Phumtham’s first Herculean tasks? Choosing a successor for Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, the current police chief who’s ready to hang up his boots at the end of the month. But hold your horses; the real jockeying for the top spot can only commence after October 3 when the Police Commission’s shiny new regulations come into play.
In the interim, we’re looking at a caretaker police chief, and all fingers point toward deputy police chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet stepping into that transitional role. This source whispers that this year’s appointment will be a litmus test for the power players in the selection process, especially now that the Police Commission’s chair has trotted out three prime candidates for the prestigious position.
Among the top contenders are Pol Gen Kitrat, Pol Gen Thana Choowong, who’s also a deputy police chief, and Pol Gen Kraiboon Suadsong, the police inspector-general. But if we were betting folks, our chips would be on Pol Gen Kitrat, who seems to have the strongest shot at clinching the title. Still, there’s a caveat: the appointment could drag on if the behind-the-scenes negotiations hit a snag.
“The talk around town is that this year’s appointment will be the most politically charged we’ve seen in years. Some politicians have been dropping hints, angling for the deputy prime minister post that keeps an eye on the force,” revealed the source.
Pol Gen Kitrat’s resume is impressive, to say the least. A proud alum of Class 25 of the Armed Forces Preparatory School and Class 41 of the Police Academy, his career kicked off as a deputy inspector at Muang Rayong station. He has made his mark at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB). Often regarded as a close confidant of former police chief Pol Gen Suwat Jaengyodsuk, Kitrat is celebrated for his management acumen.
Under the current police chief’s stewardship, Kitrat has been at the forefront of crime prevention and suppression. This year’s reshuffle will also see several key retirements, making these appointments even more crucial. Heavyweights like Pol Lt Gen Jirasan Kaewsaengake, Pol Lt Gen Thakoon Natsri, Pol Lt Gen Khirisak Tantinvachai, Pol Lt Gen Yongkiat Monpraneet, and Pol Lt Gen Nitinan Phetborom are all set to retire, leaving significant gaps.”
The MPB and Immigration Bureau are also up for leadership shuffles, with current commissioners Pol Lt Gen Thiti Saengsawang and Pol Lt Gen Itthipol Itthisarnronchai poised for promotions to assistant police chief. The source hints that political interests could heavily sway appointments at both the Provincial Police Bureau and provincial police chief levels.
Remember the days post-2014 coup? The government gave the Royal Thai Police (RTP) a free pass on personnel reshuffles, minimizing political meddling. Fast forward to today, political leadership is at full throttle, with former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returning to stir the pot. Political interference is expected to be a major player again, given Thaksin’s considerable influence as an alum of Class 26 of the Police Academy and the presumed de facto leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party.
Amid this political tightrope, some key RTP positions have already undergone changes, especially at the commissioner and commander levels. While the current regulations dictate that appointments are a balanced equation of seniority and merit, it remains to be seen how political interference will tip the scales.
Not all branches of the RTP may succumb to political pressure. For instance, the CIB, under Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej’s rigorous screening process, might just stand firm.
Recently, a nationwide survey by Super Poll from Sept 1-7, which polled 466 officers across various fields, painted a vivid picture of what the police force desires in a leader. About 70% of respondents expressed a longing for a leader who could bring unity to the force. Other top qualities included teamwork, clear communication, the ability to listen, and asking the right questions.
When asked about the new police chief’s first order of business, a resounding 77% prioritized improving welfare benefits. As the curtain rises on this season’s reshuffle drama, all eyes will be on how these political and personal plays unfold. Grab your popcorn; it’s going to be a riveting show.
This reshuffle sounds like a political circus. They should focus on merit and not politics!
That’s naïve, Joe. Every top position is influenced by politics, especially in a country like Thailand.
Still, it’s frustrating. How will the force ever progress if it’s all about political connections?
Joe, you’re dreaming. Politics is everywhere, even in the police. Ever heard of Machiavelli?
The whole system is nepotistic. Kitrat may be great, but he’s probably someone’s pawn.
I’m not convinced Pol Gen Kitrat is the best choice. What about Pol Gen Thana? He has a stronger leadership track record.
Totally agree! Thana has a better profile and seems less compromised by politics.
Exactly, leadership and integrity should come first. But does that even matter anymore?
Thana has been around forever; sometimes fresh blood like Kitrat is what’s needed.
Truth is, you can’t trust any of them. The whole system is broken.
This reshuffle is just smoke and mirrors. Real change comes from policy, not personnel.
Policy shifts are crucial, but good leaders can enforce and inspire those changes.
Sure, but even the best policies can be undermined by lousy leadership.
Who trusts these surveys anyways? A sample of 466 officers isn’t enough to gauge the entire force’s opinion.
Surveys can be skewed. They only tell us part of the story.
Absolutely! Plus, who funded the survey? That always matters.
Can we just appreciate that Pol Gen Kitrat has an amazing resume? Merit should still count for something!
His resume is impressive, but it’s also about what he’ll do in the role, not just his past achievements.
True, let’s hope his management acumen shines through.
Yes, but similar people had great resumes and ended up being terrible at their jobs.
The RTP will always be a puppet to those in power. Phumtham Wechayachai is just another orchestrator.
Indeed. Political appointments are rarely about competence.
These power plays are amusing but tragic. The prize isn’t just a title; it’s control over the entire police force.
Thaksin’s influence isn’t necessarily a bad thing. He has experience and knows how to get things done.
Experience in corruption, you mean. Thaksin’s involvement just muddies the waters.
It’s easy to criticize from the outside, but many leaders have flaws. Thaksin gets results.
Does anyone else think that Pol Gen Torsak could just step down now and save us this spectacle?
Nope, it has to follow protocol. Chaos, but necessary.
Political interference will always be there, but a transparent process could lessen its impact.
Class 25 and Class 41? Are we choosing based on initiation rites or actual ability?
Real talk, 77% of the police force wants better welfare? Maybe they need a union.
No matter who’s appointed, improving welfare and reducing corruption should be top priorities.
I think Pol Gen Kraiboon Suadsong is the wildcard here. He might surprise everyone.
The new chief should take a strong stance on human rights and police reform. That’s the change we need.
What if AI could choose the new chief based on merit alone? Just a thought.