“Thailand welcomes its new National Police Chief, Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, who was approved by the Police Commission. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin presided over the appointment, with Deputy Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn absent from the meeting due to a recent police probe. #ThailandPolice #NationalPoliceChief #NewAppointment #SretthaThavisin”
Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol
The Police Commission of Thailand has approved the appointment of Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol as the new National Police Chief. Pol Gen Torsak is set to succeed Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas, who is due to retire on September 30th.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s Involvement
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin presided over the Police Commission meeting held at the Royal Thai Police (RTP) headquarters to select the 14th police chief. As ex-officio chairman of the Police Commission, according to the Royal Thai Police Act, Mr. Srettha nominated Pol Gen Torsak for the top police job, and the attendees voted in his favor with a 10-to-1 majority.
Process of Selection
During the meeting, Pol Gen Torsak and Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, another contender for the police chief post, were asked to leave the room temporarily for the Police Commission members to assess their qualifications prior to casting their votes.
It was initially speculated that the appointment might be delayed until October, along with the appointment of deputy national police chiefs and commanders. Some Police Commission members were reportedly considering resolving an issue involving a deputy national police chief, one of the four contenders, beforehand.
Notable Absence of Pol Gen Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn
The absence of Deputy Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn was noted during the meeting. He had recently been the subject of a police probe into online gambling websites, with his rented houses in Bangkok searched as part of an operation called “Big Cleaning Day.” Pol Gen Surachate had applied for leave, stating he could not attend the meeting as a stakeholder.
Pol Gen Torsak’s Background and Career
Pol Gen Torsak, born in Phetchaburi in 1964, is a high-profile officer who gained prominence in the Crime Suppression Division (CSD). He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Thammasat University and began his career at Caltex Oil Thailand Co. before becoming a police officer.
He started his police career in 1997 as a deputy inspector at a radio patrol unit under the Patrol and Special Operations Division, known as the 191 Police. He later served in the CSD, the Tourist Police Bureau, and the Police Royal Guards 904 Division, before becoming a deputy chief and then chief of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new National Police Chief of Thailand?
Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol has been appointed as the new National Police Chief, succeeding Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas, who is due to retire on September 30th.
What was the role of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in the appointment?
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin presided over the Police Commission meeting held at the Royal Thai Police (RTP) headquarters. As ex-officio chairman of the Police Commission, Mr. Srettha nominated Pol Gen Torsak for the top police job, and the attendees voted in his favor with a 10-to-1 majority.
Why was Pol Gen Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn absent from the meeting?
Pol Gen Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, Deputy Police Chief, was absent from the meeting due to a recent police probe into online gambling websites. He had applied for leave, stating he could not attend the meeting as a stakeholder.
