Police Back Asian Games Gold Medalist for Officer Promotion

On September 29, 2026, Pol. Gen. Kornchai Klayklueang, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, presided over the 5/2026 meeting of the committee that screens and selects individuals with sports abilities for police recruitment (K.Por.Kor.). The meeting aimed to discuss ways to advance police officers with sporting talent and enhance the reputation of the police and Thailand. A key agenda item was the selection of Police Constable Phuripl Boon‑sorn, also known as "Burapha Phuripl", a Thai national athletics team member who won an Asian Games gold medal and broke records, for appointment as a commissioned police officer as a special case. Currently, "Burapha Phuripl" serves as Deputy Squad Leader of the Education Service Division within the Metropolitan Police Bureau and joined the police force on February 6, 2026. The meeting also monitored and encouraged other Thai national police athletes competing internationally, notably "Focus" Police Constable Natthicha Jongprongklang, Deputy Squad Leader of the Education Division, Region 3, a member of the Thai national women's boxing team, who is advancing to the gold‑medal final. The Royal Thai Police expressed its readiness to support personnel who sacrifice, devote themselves, and act as national representatives to the fullest extent. Pol. Gen. Kornchai stated that the police force values looking after officers with sports abilities, especially national athletes who must fulfill dual roles: serving the public as police officers and carrying Thailand’s hopes and prestige on the international stage as national athletes. Therefore they should receive appropriate support in training, competition, morale, as well as opportunities and career advancement. Regarding "Burapha Phuripl", he is a key figure in Thai athletics, with outstanding international performance, including at the 2026 Asian Games where he won gold in the 100‑meter sprint with a time of 9.90 seconds and recorded 19.88 seconds in the 200‑meter sprint, bringing honor and pride to Thailand. This consideration aligns with police principles of rewarding and motivating officers with knowledge, ability, and national recognition, establishing pathways for lower‑rank, sports‑talented police to be considered and appointed as commissioned officers according to regulations.