This article profiles Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon Naowarat, whose successful crackdown on illegal gambling websites disrupted the Orange and Green parties, catching the attention of the influential Buriram faction in the final phase and propelling him to become the incoming Minister of Justice in Anutin's second cabinet.
On 14 March 2026, reporters confirmed that the new cabinet under Anutin 2 will retain the current Minister of Justice, Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon Naowarat, former Deputy Commander of the Provincial Police Region 3. He will continue in this role due to his impressive performance, including arresting two candidates from the Orange party and blocking a rising star from the Kla Party.
Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon Naowarat, former Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 3, graduated from the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School Class 24 and the Royal Police Cadet Academy Class 40, the same cohort as General Songwit Hunphakdi, former special royal guard officer and former Supreme Commander. He began his police career in 1997 as an investigation inspector at Mueang Buriram Police Station in Provincial Police Region 3, eventually rising to Deputy Commander of Buriram Provincial Police, later appointed as Commander of Buriram Provincial Police, and his last post was Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 3.
Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon described his police career starting in 1997 as an investigation inspector at Mueang Buriram Police Station under Provincial Police Region 3, progressing up to his current role as Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 3. Throughout his service, he has undertaken various operational and managerial duties, receiving strong cooperation from colleagues within the region, exchanging experiences, and overcoming numerous challenges successfully.
Reporters note that Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon has often been entrusted with major responsibilities, such as overseeing security and traffic management for the MotoGP 2025 World Championship round 1 "PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2025" at Chang International Circuit, Mueang District, Buriram, as well as managing security and facilitating traffic during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Buriram Marathon at the same venue. The marathon's opening was chaired by Police General Permpoon Chidchob, brother of Mr. Newin Chidchob, then Minister of Education.
Additionally, retirement ceremonies honoring Police Major General Chanchai Pongphichitkul, former Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 3 and a strong contender previously for Minister of Justice, as well as ceremonies for Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon Naowarat and Police Major General Lap Srisamang, former Deputy Inspector General assisting Provincial Police Region 3, were also held at Chang International Circuit in Buriram.
When the first Anutin cabinet was formed, Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon Naowarat, former Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 3, was appointed Minister of Justice in the final phase. Approaching the formation of Anutin's second cabinet, rumors suggested his removal, with speculation that Mr. Supachai Jaisamut, a homegrown member of the Bhumjaithai Party and current Secretary to the Minister of Justice and political spokesperson, might replace him.
However, during the government formation, Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon's work caught the attention of the influential Buriram faction again, particularly regarding his exposure of “10 Grey Politicians” in January during the election campaign. These individuals, including former and current MPs, were implicated in illegal businesses such as online gambling, call center scams, and drugs. This led to the arrest of Mr. Boonrit Raorungrot, a candidate for Bangkok’s 33rd constituency (Bang Phlat-Bangkok Noi) from the People’s Party, on charges related to money laundering for a major drug network, and Mr. Ratchapong Soisuang (Pond), former MP for Tak’s 2nd district and candidate for the People’s Party, on charges linked to online gambling and money laundering, effectively disrupting the Orange party’s prospects.
Later, before the formation of Anutin’s second cabinet, Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon’s achievements were again highlighted with the arrest of Mr. Chonnaphat Naksua, Songkhla MP for the 4th district from the Kla Party, on 12 March 2026. He was involved in a major southern online gambling operation with over 1 billion baht in transactions. This success ensured Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon retained his cabinet position, continuing as Minister of Justice.
