National —
On October 7th, 2024, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra chaired the National Police Commission meeting to appoint Thailand’s 15th National Police Chief, replacing Pol. Gen. Torsak Sukvimol, who retired on September 30th.
The three senior candidates under consideration were Pol. Gen. Kitrat Phanphet, the Deputy Police Chief, Pol. Gen. Kraiboon Suadsong, National Police Inspector General, and Pol. Gen. Thana Choowong, Deputy Police Chief.
Under the 2022 National Police Act, the Prime Minister selects a candidate for approval by the commission. During the meeting, Pol. Gen. Kitrat was unanimously appointed by eight members of the commission after the other candidates, also commission members, left the room due to conflicts of interest.
The selection process lasted just 20 minutes, with officials emphasizing the urgency of the appointment to ensure stability in police operations. Pol. Gen. Kitrat ’s extensive 21-year background in law enforcement and suppression work was key to his selection as the new National Police Chief.
Pol. Gen. Kitrat, the most senior of the candidates, is set to retire in two years. He was appointed as acting national police chief on October 1st and had been widely expected to assume the post, given his rank and extensive background in law enforcement.
He previously served as acting police chief during the high-profile stand-off between former police chief Pol. Gen. Torsak and his deputy, Pol. Gen. Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn.
The conflict escalated when Pol. Gen. Kitrat approved Pol. Gen. Surachate’s dismissal from the force, leading to a complaint filed against him with the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Pol. Gen. Surachate claimed the decision was a dereliction of duty under Section 157 of the Criminal Code, but Pol. Gen. Kitrat firmly rejected the allegations, stating he had followed the law.
