PM Announces Police Commission Meeting to Appoint 16th National Police Chief
Thailand's police commission will meet July 22 to select the country's next national police chief from four eligible deputy generals, with the appointment requiring royal approval.
On July 13, 2025, it was reported that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will preside over a police commission meeting on July 22, 2025 at 1 p.m. in the Sriyanon conference room to appoint the 16th national police chief. The appointment process is governed by the 2022 Police Act and national police commission regulations, which mandate a merit-based system. Under Article 78(1), the prime minister selects candidates based on seniority, knowledge, competence, and particularly investigation and crime prevention experience. The commission must then recommend a candidate to the prime minister for royal approval under Article 77(1).
Four deputy chiefs are eligible: General Nirandon Luemsri with 21 years at senior rank, General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot with 23 years, General Samran Nualma with 15 years, and General Itthiphol Atchchariyapradit with 20 years. Generals Nirandon and Samran are the leading candidates by seniority, with retirement dates in 2028 and 2033 respectively. As of now, the prime minister has not signaled a preference among the four candidates. Before the formal meeting, current National Police Chief General Kittipat Pancharoen and all four deputy chiefs are expected to meet with the committee to discuss details and legal matters before the commission votes on the 16th police chief.
