Police Chief Orders Strict Compliance with Hair and Uniform Standards to Enhance Organizational Image, Including Police Influencers

The Royal Thai Police Chief issued an urgent directive emphasizing strict discipline regarding police hair and uniform standards. Officers must maintain flawless appearance, avoid inappropriate gestures, and reinforce the organization's image. The Police Inspector General is assigned to supervise, advise, and monitor compliance.

On 22 May 2026, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanpet, the Royal Thai Police Chief, visited Koh Sichang Police Station in Chonburi Province to inspect operations. He stressed that police officers must strictly adhere to the dress and conduct regulations set by the Royal Thai Police.

During the inspection, some officers were found to have hairstyles that did not comply with the 2023 Royal Thai Police regulations concerning conduct and uniform appearance.

To set a proper example, the Deputy Commander of the Chonburi Provincial Police volunteered to model a regulation-compliant haircut. Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanpet personally gave the haircut, reflecting his commitment to discipline, organizational image, and professionalism within the police force.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Chatchai Surachetphong, Commander of Region 2 Police, instructed commanders at all levels to closely supervise and enforce strict compliance with hair and uniform regulations. This is aimed at promoting dignity, discipline, and public confidence.

. . . The Royal Thai Police regulations on conduct and uniform appearance for police officers, enacted in 2023.

Former Police Chief Pol. Gen. Torsak Sukwimol. Pol. Gen. Torsak Sukwimol signed the 2023 Royal Thai Police regulation on police conduct when in uniform. The regulation was updated to better suit current service duties, pursuant to Sections 63(2) and (4) of the 2022 National Police Act, stating:

• 1. This regulation is titled “Royal Thai Police Regulation on Police Conduct When Wearing Uniform, 2023.”
  
  
• 2. This regulation is effective immediately upon issuance.
  
  
• 3. It repeals the 2018 Royal Thai Police Regulation on Police Conduct When Wearing Uniform.
  
  
• 4. Male police officers in uniform must keep hair short: hair on top no longer than 5 centimeters; sides and back no longer than 1 centimeter.
  
  
• 5. For officers assigned to high-risk areas or those involved in investigation, intelligence, or drug suppression, commanders at the level of police superintendent or higher may permit hairstyles deviating from point 4, such as high fade styles. Such hairstyles must be appropriate, clean, and neat.
  
  
• 6. Guidelines for female police officers’ hair when in uniform:
  
  
• 6.1 Long hair must not cover the ears; if worn long, it should be neatly tied. Hair accessories, if used, must be black only.
• 6.2 If hair accessories are necessary, they should be small black clips or ribbons only.
  
  
• 6.3 Braids, dreadlocks, ponytails, bangs (hair covering the forehead), or other inappropriate hairstyles are prohibited.
  
  
• 7. All police officers serving as Royal Guards or performing security duties must comply with the Royal Security Command’s standards.
  
  
• 8. Hair coloring is prohibited when in uniform; if necessary, only black dye is allowed. Hair styling products that give a wet look are forbidden.
  
  
• 9. Officers involved in investigation, intelligence, or VIP protection should wear international style attire (suits or safari jackets with identification badges, if applicable).
  
  
• 10. All police officers must strictly observe discipline. When in uniform, they must dress neatly and avoid inappropriate public behavior such as crossing arms, hands in pockets, leaning, resting arms on objects, hands on hips, or sitting cross-legged. They must also avoid rude or disrespectful language or gestures toward the public.
  
  
• 11. Police uniforms using khaki color must use the official royal khaki fabric (SNW.01).
  
  
• 12. The Police Inspector General’s Office or respective commanders must enforce these regulations and report compliance to the Royal Thai Police through the Discipline Division within the specified timeframe.
  
  
• 13. The Police Chief is responsible for enforcing this regulation.
  
  
  

  Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanpet issued an urgent directive to strictly control police hair and uniform standards. Police influencers must maintain impeccable appearance and avoid inappropriate gestures.

  
  
  Recently, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanpet issued the urgent memorandum No. 0001(Ch)/76 dated 26 May 2026, regarding appropriate conduct of police officers when in uniform.
  
  The memorandum was addressed to the Deputy Police Chief, Inspector General, and equivalent positions, as well as Provincial and Provincial Police Commanders or their equivalents, stating:
  
  
  Currently, many police officers appear publicly through mass media, social media, and act as influencers promoting the police’s public relations and image. This helps improve public understanding of police roles and duties.
  
  However, officers who visibly wear the honorable, neat, and regulation-compliant uniform and hairstyle while communicating in public or via media set a good example for others. This supports adherence to police customs and accepted standards.
  
  Commanders must supervise officers who perform public duties or share information publicly, ensuring their dress and hairstyle comply with regulations and that they avoid inappropriate behavior. The Police Inspector General’s Office will oversee and advise on compliance.
  
  This is for strict acknowledgment and compliance.
  
  Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanpet, Royal Thai Police Chief.