Watch the 2026 police general appointment list closely as Police Cadet Class 50 rises collectively. A former police officer analyzes a network holding power for 10 years, noting two main factions likely to compete fiercely, depending on their long-term achievements.
The Royal Thai Police’s latest general appointment list is under review. The screening board, including the deputy national police chief and representatives from the Police Commission, will meet on 21 Aug 2026 to consider suitable candidates from deputy national police chief level to provincial police commanders, known as the "big general list."
Reports indicate 156 positions are vacant this year, including 3 deputy national police chief posts, 6 assistant chiefs, 18 regional commanders, 40 deputy regional commanders, and 89 provincial police commanders. Deputy national police chief posts will be filled by promoting assistant chiefs in seniority order: Police Lieutenant General Nopawat Arayangkoon, Police Lieutenant General Thanaphon Srisopa, and Police Lieutenant General Kritsada Surachetphong.
For the 6 assistant chief posts, regional commanders will be promoted by seniority: Police Lieutenant General Santi Chainiramai (Region 4), Police Lieutenant General Suraphon Prembutr (Special Operations), Police Lieutenant General Nithithorn Jintakarnon (Investigation), Police Lieutenant General Achayon Kraithong (Narcotics), Police Lieutenant General Kritsakorn Pleethanyawong (Special Task Force), and Police Lieutenant General Phisit Tanprasert (Region 7).
National Police Chief Police General Samran Nuamma’s seven-year term draws attention to whether members of Police Cadet Class 50 will collectively secure top leadership positions.
The emerging top police general list awaits the screening board’s final decision. Former Police Major General Suphisal Phakdeenarunat analyzed the last general appointment round, noting complaints led to the Police Integrity Protection Committee ordering reinstatement of two senior deputy commanders, who were key performance indicators. This revealed flaws in the previous promotion process, raising questions about whether their positions have been fully restored.
This appointment round should avoid senior officers filing complaints with the Police Integrity Protection Committee again, as two positions lost last time remain unresolved. The responsibility for these flaws remains unclear, and indications suggest similar issues may recur.
Key to appointing the national police chief is political influence, while appointments for deputy and assistant chiefs follow the new seniority law. Assistant chiefs in line will advance to deputy chiefs accordingly. This round’s six vacant assistant chief positions will be filled based on seniority.
It is expected that Police Cadet Class 50 will consolidate power at commander levels. Those from Class 50 or their connected networks who become commanders have a good chance to rise to national police chief in the future.
Looking ahead 10 years under Police Cadet Class 50’s control, potential factional conflicts may arise between two groups: one emphasizing rapid advancement, the other focused on stability and expertise. These rivalries, represented by Police General Samran Nuamma and Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridej (both Class 50), will test their respective strengths.
Police Major General Suphisal predicts that unless power within the Royal Thai Police changes to serve the public within the next 10 years, the nation will fail, as other cadet classes will no longer have opportunities to rise to top ranks.
Many regret that effective investigative officers like Police Major General Theeradej Thamsuthir (“Commander Jor”) are absent from this list. It is unfortunate if he misses promotion or must wait until fully ripe like Police Lieutenant General Nopasin Poolsawat, who eventually had to be reassigned, raising questions about senior management in the Royal Thai Police.
The new national police chief may not expect top commander appointments this round but will depend on managing the process fairly and for the overall benefit and welfare of the nation and its people.
It is advised to stop requiring lower-ranking officers to work over 24 hours due to safety concerns, especially as carrying firearms off-duty is difficult. Officers should work only 6 hours per day and be allowed to pursue other lawful jobs for 6 hours daily, increasing income without conflicting with police duties.