Bangkok: "Big Tai" engaged in discussions with the screening board to promote Samran-Itthiphon to Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police. The National Police Chief presided over a crucial meeting to appoint senior officers, advancing Samran and Itthiphon to deputy national police chief positions.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting at Meeting Room 2 of the Royal Thai Police Headquarters was chaired by Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police. The Screening Board reviewed appointments for officers at the Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police and Provincial Police Commander levels. The meeting included key figures such as Pol. Gen. Kraibhun Thruatsong, Pol. Gen. Thana Chuwong, Pol. Gen. Prachuap Wongsuk, Pol. Gen. Kornchai Klaiklueng, Pol. Gen. Nirandorn Luemsri, Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelabut, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Archayon Kraithong.
The National Police Chief has directed police commanders to clarify qualifications for this year's vacant positions, which include two deputy police commander roles, seven assistant police commanders, 16 police commanders, 40 deputy police commanders, and 71 provincial police commanders.
For the two Deputy National Police Commissioner positions, appointments will be based on seniority. Pol. Lt. Gen. Samran Nuanma will be promoted to Deputy National Police Commissioner, while Pol. Lt. Gen. Itthiphon Atchariyapradit will ascend to Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police. This change follows Pol. Lt. Gen. Sophonrat Singhajaru's ethical deficiencies in treating Thaksin Shinawatra.
Seven vacant Assistant Police Commissioner positions will also follow seniority for appointments. The positions will be filled by Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapong Thanomchit, Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridet, Pol. Lt. Gen. Naiwat Phadermchit, Pol. Lt. Gen. Anucha Romyanan, Pol. Lt. Gen. Udon Yomcharoen, Pol. Lt. Gen. Yingyot Thepchamnong, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwaphan, replacing Pol. Lt. Gen. Taweesilp Wetchawithar due to ethical deficiencies.
At the Provincial Police Commander level, 16 positions are open, and 50% will be filled by seniority. Those appointed include Pol. Maj. Gen. Kritsada Kaewchandee, Pol. Maj. Gen. Chaitphon Suwanrak, Pol. Maj. Gen. Yasawin Harsamont, among others.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Natthasak Chaowansai is expected to become Commissioner-General of the CIB, while Pol. Maj. Gen. Phumin Phumphanmuang is anticipated to become Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police Headquarters. Additional promotions include Pol. Maj. Gen. Sakrapee Preawphanit and Pol. Maj. Gen. Phanupong Chobpuean.
Transfers are also anticipated, with Pol. Lt. Gen. Sittichai Lokanpai, Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapol Prembut, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Santi Chainiramai moving to new positions. Key positions held by Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Bunsom, Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas Bunyalak, Pol. Lt. Gen. Kritthaphon Yisakorn, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Pueak-am remain unchanged.