Pol. Lt. Gen. Winai Thongsong, a senior member of the Police Commission, denied rumors about appointing a Deputy Chief of Police before selecting a new Chief. He anticipated that the appointment of the 15th Chief of Police would occur within October following a meeting of the Police Commission.
On September 26, 2024, at the Police Headquarters, Pol. Lt. Gen. Winai addressed the delay in appointing the new Chief of Police, citing the new rules coming into effect on October 2. Therefore, any appointments will take effect afterward. The Prime Minister has yet to schedule the meeting to decide on the new Chief but is expected to convene after October 2, aiming for the appointment within the month.
Currently, there are three candidates: Pol. Lt. Gen. Kittirat Phanpetch (Deputy Chief of Police), Pol. Lt. Gen. Thana Chuwong (Deputy Chief of Police), and Pol. Lt. Gen. Krai-boon Truasthong (Inspector General of Police). Their prior service records will be submitted to the Prime Minister for consideration before the meeting. The Prime Minister will then propose names for approval by the Police Commission, following principles of seniority and capability in investigation according to the National Police Act.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Winai also mentioned that there are currently no plans to convene the Police Commission to propose a Deputy Chief of Police as an additional candidate for Chief of Police.
This article was rewritten from a Thairath’s news article.
