Understanding the Mixed Course: Behind the Photo of Aekniti Meeting Ben Smith from Police Insider

Police insiders revealed that the party in the leaked photo shows “Aekniti” meeting “Ben Smith” at the 'Mixed Course' initiated by a former senior police officer. The course continues connections without receiving budget support from the Royal Thai Police and was noted to have disappeared before reappearing, focusing on celebrities and businesspeople.Tags: [Police Insider, Mixed Course, Networking, Royal Thai Police, Businesspeople]

After leaked photos circulated online showing Mr. Aekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, alongside Ben Smith—who recently became linked to asset freezes—speculations arose about Aekniti’s possible connection. However, on 4 Nov 2025 GMT+7, Aekniti confirmed the photos were from a high-level course party under the Royal Thai Police, where he serves as the course director. He said he was unaware of how Ben Smith attended the event.Tags: [Aekniti Nitithanprapas, Ben Smith, Royal Thai Police, Asset Freeze, Event]

Thairath Online’s special task force sought to clarify whether the course is connected to the Royal Thai Police. A senior police source explained that the Royal Thai Police normally runs the BRO course (Public-Private Social Order Management), which is budget-supported with strict selection procedures. Meanwhile, another program called the 'Mixed Course' was initiated by a high-ranking police officer, previously funded by the Royal Thai Police but later lost official support. Recently, it received some funding again, aiming to develop and enhance relationships between senior police officers and leading business executives from the private sector.Tags: [Royal Thai Police, BRO Course, Mixed Course, Police-Business Relations, Funding]

The photo of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Aekniti Nitithanprapas with Ben Smith was taken at a party for the 'Mixed Course.'Tags: [Aekniti Nitithanprapas, Ben Smith, Mixed Course, Event]

The 'Mixed Course' originated when the former police officer who started it was still in service and obtained budget approval to organize it under the Royal Thai Police. However, conflicts with then-Police Chief Pol. Gen. Suwat Jangyodsuk caused the course to lose budget support.Tags: [Mixed Course, Police Budget, Conflict, Pol. Gen. Suwat Jangyodsuk]

After Pol. Gen. Suwat retired, the former police officer revived the program.Tags: [Program Revival, Former Police Officer, Pol. Gen. Suwat Retirement]

A senior source revealed that after restarting, the program received funding from private sector funds. Participants were mainly VIPs or business executives, while the police selected promising officers to join. This ensured effectiveness since many participants already had personal connections.Tags: [Private Funding, VIP Participants, Police Selection, Networking]

Regarding the use of the Royal Thai Police name, the senior source explained that although the course benefits Thai police, investors, businesspeople, and the public, it is founded by a former police officer and funded by private sources—not the Royal Thai Police budget. Thus, it is a special project, and without sufficient authority or influence, attracting participants is challenging.Tags: [Course Naming, Private Funding, Authority, Participation Challenges]

At one point, a former prime minister was involved in activities to boost credibility with the private sector.Tags: [Former Prime Minister, Credibility, Private Sector]

The senior source emphasized that while all courses have good intentions, the popularity of participants seeking connections can lead to less rigorous qualification checks. This risks allowing some businesspeople involved in questionable industries to join, potentially damaging the Royal Thai Police’s image.Tags: [Course Integrity, Qualification Checks, Business Influence, Image Risk]

When asked if Ben Smith’s attempt to join the course was a way to network, the senior source confirmed this, saying Ben Smith knows everyone. They added that Thai society remains heavily patronage-based, but personally believed the individuals mentioned were unlikely involved in the recent incidents.Tags: [Ben Smith, Networking, Patronage Society, Incident Involvement]

On the differences between the 'Mixed Course' and the BRO course, a senior source explained both aim to promote knowledge and cooperation between police and various sectors.Tags: [Course Comparison, BRO Course, Mixed Course, Cooperation]

Regarding the 'Mixed Course,' the source said they had not examined its details or depth, nor where it is held. Currently, it is funded by the private sector but requests to hold activities under the Royal Thai Police name.Tags: [Mixed Course Details, Private Funding, Use of Police Name]

When asked if the Royal Thai Police would further investigate the 'Mixed Course,' the senior source said they did not know if it would continue. However, if permission is sought from the Commissioner-General for police participation, careful consideration would be required.Tags: [Investigation, Royal Thai Police, Course Approval, Commissioner-General]

The official BRO course under the Royal Thai Police standards.Tags: [BRO Course, Royal Thai Police, Standards]

Meanwhile, the team contacted Pol. Gen. Ek Angsananon, a police commission member and expert, about the senior executive course overseen by the Royal Thai Police. He explained that the BRO course (Public-Private Social Order Management) involves strict qualification checks, especially for private sector applicants who must represent credible organizations such as the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, or business associations.Tags: [Pol. Gen. Ek Angsananon, BRO Course, Qualification Checks, Private Sector]

Government applicants must come from relevant agencies with clear roles, such as the Department of Corrections, the Department of Provincial Administration, or the courts and prosecutors. Individual or walk-in applications are not accepted.Tags: [Government Applicants, Eligibility, Official Agencies]

The official course organized by the Royal Thai Police has existed for over 12 years and is entering its 13th year. It is funded by the Royal Thai Police and requires approval from the Police Commission.Tags: [Official Course, Duration, Funding, Approval]

Recently, the course proposed to the Police Commission a change in duration, with the commission recommending stricter selection criteria. Allowing private sector participation may cause issues with qualifications, suitability, and behavior as recently reported.Tags: [Course Duration, Police Commission, Selection Criteria, Private Sector Concerns]

However, the Police Commission’s course is an official Royal Thai Police program, using its budget and requiring approval from the Police Commission, which oversees and regulates all such courses.Tags: [Police Commission, Official Program, Oversight, Regulation]