The Royal Thai Police chief signed an immediate transfer order for Pol. Lt. Gen. Sitthichai Lokkanaphai, Commander of Provincial Police Region 8, to assist at the National Police Operations Center, suspending him from his original post due to transparency concerns that could damage the organization's image and public trust.
On 19 June 2026, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, Royal Thai Police chief, issued Police Order No. 278/2569 regarding the assignment and acting appointment of police officials.
Various social media channels have disseminated messages related to a management meeting of Provincial Police Region 8, which referenced the Region 8 police commander in a way that might cause public doubt or loss of confidence in the transparency of police operations, impacting the reputation and credibility of the Royal Thai Police. The Royal Thai Police has already appointed a fact-finding committee, which is currently reviewing the relevant matters.
Since the implicated police official is suspected of dereliction of duty, allowing him to remain in his current position could cause harm. To ensure a proper, effective, transparent, and fair investigation free from suspicion, and to prevent damage to the service as well as interference with the fact-finding committee’s work, pursuant to Sections 67 and 105 paragraph one (2) in conjunction with Section 108 of the National Police Act B.E. 2565 (2022), and sections 6(2), 9(1), and 16 of the Royal Thai Police regulations on assigning police officials to assist within the National Police Office B.E. 2566 (2023), it was ordered that Pol. Lt. Gen. Sitthichai Lokkanaphai be assigned to assist at
the National Police Operations Center, 20th floor, Building 1, National Police Headquarters, suspended from his previous post. He is to perform duties as assigned by the director of the National Police Operations Center. Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapong Thanomjit, Assistant Police Chief, was appointed acting Commander of Provincial Police Region 8 as an additional duty.
This assignment is an administrative measure for the benefit of the service, not a disciplinary action or punishment, nor a determination of guilt. This order is effective immediately until 30 September or until further notice.