PM Discusses Appointing 41 Police Generals, Insists No Politics Involved.

Bangkok: The Prime Minister has addressed the appointment of 41 police generals, emphasizing that there was no political interference, in compliance with the new Police Act. Notable appointments included 'Siam Boonsom' taking charge of the Metropolitan Police, 'Santi Chainiramai' being positioned as the Narcotics Suppression Bureau Commissioner, 'Trirong Phiwpaen' moving to oversee cyber operations, and 'Phanumas Boonnalak' rising to the role of Immigration Bureau Commissioner. According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, chaired the 10th meeting of the Royal Thai Police Commission (RTP) in 2024. The key agenda focused on Agenda Item 4, involving the selection and appointment of police officers from the level of Assistant Commissioner General down to Commissioner General for the year 2024. During the meeting, Mr. Piyawat Sivaraksa, Secretary-General of the Civil Service Commission, and Assoc. Prof. Prathit Santiprabhob, former Vice President for Information and Communication T echnology of Assumption University, were absent due to other commitments. The commission addressed the vacant positions at the deputy commissioner-general and assistant commissioner-general levels, with appointments based on seniority. The deputy commissioner-general positions were filled by Pol. Lt. Gen. Prachuap Wongsuk, Pol. Lt. Gen. Nirandorn Leumsri, Pol. Lt. Gen. Kraichai Klaiklueng, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelabut. Meanwhile, the assistant police chief positions were occupied by Pol. Lt. Gen. Thanapol Srisopa, Pol. Lt. Gen. Thiti Sangsawang, Pol. Lt. Gen. Aphichat Petchprasit, Pol. Lt. Gen. Kritsada Surachetphong, Pol. Lt. Gen. Itthiphon Itthisarnronchai, Pol. Lt. Gen. Somprasong Yenthuam, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Sarayuth Songwanphokhai. In considering positions at the Police Commissioner level, appointments were made with at least 50 percent seniority. Among those promoted were Pol. Lt. Gen. Bandit Tungkaserani, Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas Bunyalak, Pol. Lt. Gen. Warawut Sakonthanarak, Pol. Lt. Col. Ch atchai Surachetphong, Pol. Lt. Col. Aticha Pao-in, Pol. Lt. Col. Paisarn Luesomboon, and Pol. Lt. Col. Surachet Chingnawan. The meeting, which extended over four hours, meticulously evaluated each candidate's qualifications, ensuring compliance with the regulations of the Royal Thai Police. Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panpetch, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, remained reticent about the meeting's proceedings, offering only a thumbs up to the media. Pol. Lt. Gen. Anucha Romyanand, secretary of the National Police Commission, clarified that the appointments were made in accordance with the law, focusing on seniority, knowledge, and ability. There was no discussion of political motivations, and any officer feeling unjustly treated could seek redress legally. Amidst speculations about favoritism, Pol. Lt. Gen. Anucha assured that each appointment was made based on individual merit and not due to personal connections. The appointments, while significant, were conducted with transparency and adherence to e stablished criteria.