National Police Chief Empowers Deputy to File Charges Against Police Lieutenant Colonel Wirutm Over Allegations That Police Bureau Is Criminal Organization
Thailand's National Police Chief has authorized legal action against a police lieutenant colonel for allegedly defaming the police force in a November interview, claiming it functions as a criminal organization that collects bribes nationwi
National Police Chief Police General Kittirat Patthanapetch has delegated authority to Police Lieutenant General Charuenjkiatti Panakaew, Deputy Commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, to file a complaint and proceed with legal action against Police Lieutenant Colonel Wirutm Sirisawatsidibut and others on charges of defamation by advertisement under Sections 326 and 328 of the Criminal Code. The legal proceedings stem from an interview Wirutm gave on the "Tok Mai Thieng" program on Tero Digital on November 19, 2024, in which he reportedly made statements characterizing the Royal Thai Police as a criminal organization and claiming it collects bribes and illicit benefits in various forms across the country. The National Police Bureau determined that these statements constitute serious defamation that damages the police organization's image, credibility, and public trust, significantly harming its reputation. The bureau has therefore instructed that maximum legal action be taken against those involved.
