Bangkok: The National Police Chief has reiterated a firm commitment to adhering to the transfer criteria outlined in the 2022 Police Act for high-ranking officers, following a recent meeting led by Ms. Sunatcha Losatapornpipit, Chairwoman of the House of Representatives Police Committee. This meeting, held under the auspices of the Democrat Party MP for Trang Province, focused on appointments, promotions, and transfers within the Royal Thai Police.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, and Deputy Commissioner-General Pol. Gen. Kornchai Klaiklueng, among others. The discussions centered around maintaining a balance between seniority and proven abilities, such as performance and public satisfaction, in officer transfers. Notably, the meeting was held behind closed doors, with no media presence allowed.
During the session, the National Police Chief elaborated on the procedures for transferring police officers at the Police General level, emphasizing adherence to the five-point 50:50 principle. This involves a thorough evaluation of service history, performance, personal conduct, and local public satisfaction. Pol. Maj. Gen. Charoonkiat Pankaew, ranking 94th in seniority, was a focal point of the discussions, with the Police Commission striving for transparency and mutual understanding in the transfer list formulation.
The atmosphere of the meeting was reported as positive, with no confrontations. Instead, it provided a platform for open dialogue, facilitating a smoother resolution process. Ms. Sunatcha expressed gratitude towards the Police Commission for fostering this environment, which culminated in a group photo and gestures of mutual respect among attendees.
In response to questions about future guarantees to prevent unfairness in officer transfers, the Chairwoman of the Police Commission hinted at the establishment of standardized procedures. This aims to ensure that future appointments and transfers adhere strictly to the 2022 Police Act, balancing seniority with demonstrated performance to mitigate potential grievances. The National Police Chief affirmed this commitment, emphasizing the importance of following established criteria to maintain fairness in officer transfers.