As “Big Tor” prepares to pass on important tasks to the next Chief of Police (Pol Gen. Tor) after his retirement at the end of the month, former police officials criticize the internal struggles within the police department, claiming they reflect a failure in reform. The need to regain public trust is emphasized.
Pol Gen. Tor Sakd-sukwimol, the 14th Chief of Police, spoke during a ceremony for retiring police, reminding that the primary duty of police is to care for the public and uphold the monarchy, urging officers to take pride in their role.
Over his one-year tenure, “Big Tor” faced significant internal conflicts, particularly with “Big Joke,” leading to orders from the former Prime Minister to assist the government’s office temporarily. Even after returning to the Chief of Police position, he faced criticism and challenges. Observers noted that police reform processes remain ineffective, with unresolved issues persisting, especially concerning corruption and issues surrounding illegal gambling.
The enduring issue of corruption is so severe that it has become normalized within the police, causing distrust among the public, which now seeks alternative means of justice. The calls for reform highlight the need for a systemic change, moving away from military-style promotions and toward a justice-oriented mindset among officers.
Future reforms should prioritize local officers to enhance community ties and address the practical needs on the ground. Suggestions include creating more advancement opportunities for local police and eliminating class distinctions within the rank structures.
The incoming Chief of Police must urgently tackle corruption and establish measurable goals for enforcing regulations to rebuild public trust, as past attempts at police reform have largely failed. The new Chief (potentially the 15th) must focus first on restoring public faith before addressing other operational changes.
Current potential candidates for the next Chief of Police include 1. Pol Gen. Kittirat Puntapetch, 2. Pol Gen. Thana Chuwong, and 3. Pol Gen. Kraiboon Tongsong. However, no meetings have yet occurred to finalize the new Chief, expected to take place after October 3, 2024.
This article was rewritten from a Thairath’s news article.
