Netizens Vote Big Tao as Person of the Year at THAIRATH AWARDS 2025

Reviewing the achievements of "Big Tao," Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, after the public voted him "Person of the Year 2025" at the Thairath Person of the Year awards. Highlighting his notable work in 2025 and his background as a fearless former crime buster.

"Big Tao," Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, won the "Person of the Year 2025" award from the Thairath Person of the Year 2025 campaign (THAIRATH AWARDS 2025), receiving 87,188 votes from netizens, ranking first out of 166,412 total votes in this category. This reinforces his image as a crime-fighting police officer unafraid of influential powers, dedicated to eradicating corruption and earning nationwide public trust. His success stems from investigating high-ranking officials and advancing justice for Thai society throughout the past year.

On 23 Feb 2026, Nik-Jitsupa Vacharapol, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Thairath TV and Thairath Online, presented the "Person of the Year 2025" award from Thairath Person of the Year to "Big Tao," Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, known for his straightforward style and firm handling of corruption cases.

Highlighting "Big Tao's" notable achievements in 2025, standing firm in investigations without fear of anyone.

In 2025, Police Major General Jaroonkiat continued to play a key role in advancing major cases of public interest, especially the following:

• Resolving the gold bribery case: gathering over 90% of evidence to submit prosecution files involving former high-ranking police officers linked to offering gold bribes to National Anti-Corruption Commission officials.
• Examining personnel appointments and transfers: publicly advocating for fairness within the Police Commission (P.K.K.T.) system to ensure deserving officers receive appropriate opportunities.
• Cracking down on extortion and influential figures: ongoing investigation into financial trails and gray capital groups under the Central Investigation Bureau's jurisdiction.

Revisiting the crime buster known for being "unafraid of anyone."

The name "Big Tao" is widely recognized for his "fiery" work style and fearlessness against influence, proven by his outstanding past achievements such as:

• Arresting a former director-general of the Department of National Parks in a widely publicized bribery case in his office.
• Setting up a sting operation to arrest the "son-in-law" of a famous politician: capturing a mayor in Uthai Thani province for bribery related to a construction project.
• Dismantling an extortion network of so-called 'complainant singers': arresting a famous singer who threatened and extorted money from government and private officials.
• Eradicating truck sticker extortion: reforming and suppressing extortion rackets during his tenure as acting commander of the Highway Police.

The "Person of the Year 2025" award thus confirms that Thai society values and admires honest and courageous public officials who confront wrongdoing.

Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, or "Big Tao," represents a new generation of police focusing on proactive work and clear communication. Receiving the award at the THAIRATH AWARDS 2025 is not only a personal honor but also reflects society's desire for "transparency" and "equality" in Thailand's justice system.

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