Unless a last-minute reversal occurs, Prime Minister Anuthon Chanthawirotkul will convene the police civil service committee on Wednesday, July 22, to appoint a new police chief set to take office on October 1.

Four deputy police commanders meet the criteria to compete for the position: General Nirandorn Luemsri, General Thatchai Pitaneelabut, General Samran Nualma, and General Itthiphol Ajchariyapradist.

As the selection process neared its conclusion, the race reportedly narrowed to General Nirandorn, the most senior candidate, and General Samran, who possesses strong investigative credentials and backing from multiple quarters. However, as the final decision approached, General Samran emerged as the sole frontrunner.

The selection criteria require consideration of both seniority and expertise—not seniority alone, but a blend of experience and competence. Military and police circles have begun discussing what qualifies a police leader, increasingly moving away from the traditional emphasis on criminal investigation expertise, which has long been the hallmark of policing.

Investigation and suppression of crime remain the heart of police work and should be a defining strength. This aspect particularly strengthens General Samran's candidacy. He has advanced through diverse assignments—from hotel management to investigation, suppression operations, inspection, traffic, and security work—culminating in extensive anti-drug operations. He stands an excellent chance of selection and appears to have already "secured the position."

The government's choice of the new police chief must also consider political backing. During this blue-government administration, an era of conservative political dominance, General Samran's selection aligns well, as he has long enjoyed the trust of this political faction.

The Phum Jai Thai-led government's decision on the new police chief selection should be straightforward. At Wednesday's committee meeting, there is no need to speculate whom Prime Minister Anuthon will propose for consideration.

General Samran meets all requirements, having progressed through every level of police work with recent achievements in major cases, including arrests of drug syndicates, cross-border gangs, the Thao Thip gang linked to Chinese triads, nominee business networks, and white-collar criminal groups. As commonly stated, the police organization needs a complete leader, especially one with genuine expertise in investigation and suppression. This makes General Samran an ideal choice.

Wednesday's decision should come as no surprise: General Samran Nualma's appointment appears certain.

Vong Tawaun

Police at Bang Bua Thong station in Nonthaburi received a report on July 19 of a residential fire in a community behind Wat La Harn in Thon Loi subdistrict, Bang Bua Thong district. Firefighters from multiple municipal services coordinated efforts to extinguish the blaze, which took approximately one hour to control. Most of the damaged homes were wooden structures built closely together, with seven houses destroyed and two people injured in total.

Nai Senah, one of the affected residents, said he was returning home when he saw flames already engulfing his house and was unable to retrieve any belongings. The fire was deliberately set by someone burning his own home before it spread to others' properties—the suspect has a history of setting such fires multiple times. Police have identified the suspect as Wichai, 39, who has a background of drug addiction and psychiatric issues. Authorities are actively pursuing him and coordinating evidence collection at the scene.

A woman identified as Khun Benja spoke to reporters on July 19 about discovering her husband's affair with a high-ranking official who uses her position to manipulate him. The wife hired private investigator Boy to track her husband and caught him meeting the other woman in a van parked beside a roadside shrine. Benja expressed shock, saying her 4-year-old child will suffer from this family breakdown, and criticized the couple for showing no respect or shame. She plans to file a disciplinary complaint against the other woman and pursue full legal action with her lawyer.

Investigator Boy explained the case was difficult because both the husband and his lover are prominent figures in a small, tight-knit community. His team had to disguise themselves as graduate students researching local history to avoid suspicion. They eventually gathered solid evidence that Benja has now submitted to Boy's office. She is preparing to file a disciplinary complaint and consult with her legal team led by Attorney Hongsa to proceed with formal legal action.

Thailand is vying to add Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahaviharn to UNESCO's World Heritage list at the 48th World Heritage Committee session, combining cultural preservation with sustainable area development. The 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee opened formally on July 19, 2025, in Busan, South Korea, running through July 29, with representatives from 196 member states, UNESCO, advisory bodies, observers, and global stakeholders assembled to review major items under the World Heritage Convention, including new nominations, conservation status reviews, and international cooperation frameworks.

Thailand's delegation, headed by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Choomklin, includes Dr. Ravivarn Phuridet, Permanent Secretary of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, Bannaruks Soemtong, Secretary-General of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, and officials from relevant agencies working to advance Thailand's key agenda item.

Thailand's primary focus is securing World Heritage Cultural status for Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahaviharn in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, with the World Heritage Committee scheduled to review the nomination between July 24–26, 2025. If approved, it would become Thailand's sixth cultural heritage site and ninth overall World Heritage property, reflecting international recognition of Thai cultural heritage.

The Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, serving as Thailand's focal point for the World Heritage Convention, has coordinated with the Ministry of Culture, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, and other agencies to prepare a comprehensive nomination including academic documentation, protection measures, management plans, and consultation with UNESCO's World Heritage Centre and advisory bodies to meet international standards.

Thailand's participation demonstrates the government's commitment to its World Heritage Convention obligations and the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry's role in advancing national heritage conservation policy. The government aims to secure successful registration of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahaviharn as a new World Heritage site, advancing cultural preservation alongside balanced, sustainable regional development for present and future generations.

The field visit by opposition leader Natthapon Ruangpanya and Rangsiman Rom, chair of parliament's legal affairs committee, to follow up on the shooting of Narathiwat MP Kamlasak Liwamaung is more than a show of support for a violence victim. It signals that this case has transcended ordinary crime to become a major political, security, and state credibility issue. The heart of the investigation does not rest solely on apprehending the gunman, but on uncovering the true masterminds and motives. State personnel, weapons, and vehicles are known to be involved, yet the case lacks clear public explanation. The opposition has therefore directed its demands at Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Minister, calling for transparent clarification of the case's progress, since growing ambiguity undermines public confidence. Public confidence is the most critical factor in achieving lasting southern peace; if citizens believe their representatives have been denied justice and the state cannot hold commanders accountable, they will struggle to trust the judicial process or cooperate with authorities in resolving conflict. Rangsiman has raised concerns over non-prosecution orders for certain suspects, weapon destruction procedures, and the collection of two million phone records daily—issues that reveal problems extending beyond this single case to encompass transparency, state power use, and the rule of law. If the government seeks to build lasting peace, it must convince the public that the law applies equally to all, whether ordinary citizens, officials, or the powerful. Solving the assassination case of MP Kamlasak by reaching the true masterminds represents the starting point for restoring public confidence in the state and the first genuine step toward resolving the southern conflict.