The Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, declined to comment on the police general appointment roster. Meanwhile, Police Chief Kittirat Phanphet emphasized that everything follows the proper procedures and is based on performance. He confirmed there are no restrictions by cadet class and that the date for the screening meeting on 21 August has not yet been finalized. Attention is drawn to "Jaroonkiat" as a candidate moving up to Police Lieutenant General.
17 August 2026 GMT+7 Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul gave an interview before departing for Australia, declining to answer questions regarding the police general appointments. Police Chief General Kittirat Phanphet, as chairman of the committee reviewing police officer appointments at the national level (the screening board), is scheduled to convene a meeting with Deputy Police Chiefs and representatives from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to review suitable candidates recommended by various levels—from regional police commanders through deputy chiefs—up to the national police chief level, or the senior general roster, on 21 August.
Recently, there has been discussion that Police Cadet Class 47 includes Police Major General Theeradej Thammasuthi, Deputy Commissioner of Metropolitan Police (Deputy Metropolitan Police Chief), who is not listed for promotion to commander despite his performance. Meanwhile, Police Cadet Class 48 includes Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, who is being promoted to Police Lieutenant General.
Reporters attempted to ask the Prime Minister whether the police general roster has been finalized, but he smiled and did not respond, instead gesturing toward the Police Chief who was present, then saying, "He just came in earlier." The Prime Minister then left the interview to prepare for his flight abroad immediately.
Meanwhile, Police Chief General Kittirat stated, "Please don't call it a roster. Everything is carried out according to the legal procedures under the National Police Act and the Police Commission. There is no roster or anything like that. All decisions are made based on suitability as assessed by the relevant units." "Once the names are submitted to the Royal Thai Police headquarters, they are categorized as candidates and then brought to the committee meeting under Section 81 (1)(a) of the Royal Thai Police Act, where discussions take place." "Appointments are made based on merit and records. There is no roster, no predetermined list. The meeting date is still under consideration and has not been confirmed as 21 August."
Regarding the rumor that Police Cadet Class 47's names are mostly static while Class 48 candidates have moved up to Police Lieutenant General, Police Chief Kittirat said there is no limitation by class. Seniority or junior status does not matter; promotions depend solely on records and performance presented at the meeting. He reassured everyone not to worry about class restrictions, affirming none exist. When asked if the process is fair and everyone is treated justly, the Police Chief replied simply, "Correct."
