Unveiling the 16th Royal Thai Police Commissioner: A showdown between two leading candidates, “Big Wan” and “Big Ran.” Former police officers view the rumor of alternating the post annually as unlikely. Reading the Prime Minister's intentions, if there is a directive, the “new person” might serve a long term. It is noted that only one candidate combines seniority and capability suitably.
On 22 July 2026, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul is set to chair the Police Commission meeting to select the new Royal Thai Police Commissioner, the 16th to take office, who will address internal police challenges and maintain public order.
The four candidates qualifying for the 16th Police Commissioner post this round are as follows.
Police General Niran Luemsri.
Police General Thatchai Pitanilabutr.
Police General Samran Nuanma.
Police General Itthipol Atchariya Pradit.
As the decision day approaches, various rumors have surfaced, especially about a formula to alternate the position yearly or to pave the way for the next leading candidate to take over. Thairath Online’s special team consulted Police Major General Suphisal Phakdeenarunat, former suppression commander, who analyzed that the selection must adhere to principles: whether the commission will follow strict criteria or if the Prime Minister already has a preferred candidate. Key variables in selecting the 16th Police Commissioner include:
1. If the Prime Minister has a preferred candidate, Police General Samran Nuanma has a relatively high chance of being selected.
2. If based on seniority and capability, the suitable candidates are Police Generals Thatchai Pitanilabutr and Niran Luemsri. Although Police General Thatchai was promoted after Police General Niran, he holds greater seniority and is recognized for his proven abilities.
Interestingly, Police General Samran, who will retire in 2033, is not being blocked as strongly as Police Major General "Big Joke" was previously, who was a controversial candidate last time. The rumored annual rotation plan is analyzed as practically impossible. Among the candidates, Police General Itthipol Atchariya Pradit has a low chance of becoming Police Commissioner. Considering seniority and capability, Police General Thatchai Pitanilabutr is regarded as the top candidate.
“If the selection follows legal criteria and appointment principles, Police General Thatchai Pitanilabutr has the highest chance to become Police Commissioner. He has experience working with foreign police and expertise in combating scammers, though that effort is not yet fully successful. If he reaches the top position, he is expected to eradicate scammers from Thailand, given his direct knowledge and skills in this area.”
Since the Prime Minister chairs the Police Commissioner selection, looking into the candidates’ connections with the Blue Camp political faction, Police Major General Suphisal analyzes that the network currently lacks a clear Blue Camp candidate but must establish a power base for the long term, anticipating the next election to retain government control.
Those connected to the Blue Camp are presently at the deputy commissioner level, awaiting promotion. It is believed that if the Prime Minister wants to secure his position and wait for his own people to rise, he may choose Police General Thatchai Pitanilabutr, while Police General Samran Nuanma still has several years before retirement and can wait. The next promotion will follow seniority order.