The 2026 police general appointment list has been finalized. Police Major General Suphisal Phakdeenarunat analyzed it, highlighting two power factions led by "Big Ran" and "Big Kong," both from Police Cadet Class 50, rising collectively with a decade-long stake. Meanwhile, the political faction positioned itself mainly at the regional police commander level.
The 2026 lineup of police generals and senior commanders has become clearer after the Police Commission meeting on 28 Aug 2026, which lasted overnight before final decisions were confirmed, pending royal endorsement. Under the leadership of Police General Samran Nualma, who has seven years left before retirement, attention focuses on whether his Police Cadet Class 50 peers will rise en masse and stake a claim to long-term power within the Royal Thai Police, possibly for the next ten years.
Although the 2026 police general appointments have settled, this leadership reshuffle reveals the long-term power factions within the Royal Thai Police. Thairath Online's special team consulted Police Major General Suphisal Phakdeenarunat, former commander of the Crime Suppression Division, who analyzed that the latest Police Commission-approved appointments clearly show key senior positions going to Police Cadet Class 50, the same cohort as the new Police Chief, from deputy commander level upward. This reshuffle divides power into two major factions:
1. One faction to watch is the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), where key positions have been assigned to Police Cadet Class 50 peers replacing those who have moved on, especially at the commander level. This faction is linked to Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Puridet, also Class 50, indicating a power network forming within the CIB.
2. On the Metropolitan Police side, the network remains within Police Cadet Class 50 aligned with Police General Samran Nualma, the Police Chief.
Comparing the power dynamics of these two main factions, most operational leaders come from Police Cadet Class 50, divided between Police General Samran Nualma's and Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Puridet's groups. This 2026 general appointment clearly shows these two dominant factions. Remaining positions largely belong to political appointees, primarily from the Lower Northeastern region.
Positions for regional commanders in the southern zone have not changed, which is unfortunate, especially for the four southern border provinces.
Police Major General Suphisal observes that although the two power factions within the Royal Thai Police have not yet shown conflict, significant internal changes could occur within two years. Currently, both sides of Police Cadet Class 50 have positioned their people, and following them, Class 52 officers are preparing to rise to top ranks.
Notably, political influence in this appointment cycle was limited. The Royal Thai Police is largely controlled by two major factions holding key operational posts. Political appointees mainly fill regional commander positions.
This style of power consolidation has been customary for over ten years. While appointments should follow the 2022 Police Appointment Act, it remains to be seen whether any legal challenges regarding inappropriate appointments will arise.
