Signals for the next National Police Chief candidate: a "dark horse" or a "senior" officer. Former police officials see seniority as having a strong chance, while rumors about influential tickets remain just speculation. They note that watching dark horse candidates might reveal surprises in the outcome.
The appointment process for the next National Police Chief, who will become the 16th to succeed "Big Tai" Pol Gen Kittirat Phanphet, set to retire on 30 September, is underway. The Prime Minister is scheduled to chair the Police Commission meeting on 22 July.
The four expected candidates for the next National Police Chief are Pol Gen Nirandorn Lueamsri, Pol Gen Samran Nuamma, Pol Gen Thatchai Pitanilabutr, and Pol Gen Itthipol Atchariyapradit.
As society watches the rise to leadership in the police force, Thairath Online's special team consulted Pol Maj Gen Suphisarn Phakdeenarunat, former Crime Suppression Division commander, about the signals on whether the next police chief will be a dark horse or a senior officer.
The most closely watched frontrunners are Pol Gen Nirandorn Lueamsri and Pol Gen Thatchai Pitanilabutr, both deputy chiefs. They are senior officers with proven records.
Pol Gen Nirandorn Lueamsri, the most senior deputy chief, is the top frontrunner. His career spans both enforcement and academic work, combining modern management and technology approaches. He developed the Police Care app and led comprehensive crackdowns on e-cigarettes, targeting everything from schools to major funding sources.
The second most senior is Pol Gen Thatchai Pitanilabutr, deputy chief, renowned for addressing human trafficking, a longstanding problem in Thailand, especially in the southern region since 2014. His profile blends academic vision with decisive operational leadership and international cooperation networks.
Regarding dark horse candidates, there is movement but no clarity yet. Although some claim to have influential tickets, all depends on the chair’s discretion at the Police Commission meeting. Each candidate is a significant figure who could be a key factor in becoming the new police chief.
Currently, there are no clear signals pointing to the strongest candidate, so the situation warrants continued close observation.
The next police chief's most urgent mission is to combat scammers, who remain active today. The chief must protect and educate the public, not facilitate gray-area groups who use intimidation or misinformation against residents. A thorough crackdown is essential.
