Senior Police Officer Praises Colleagues for Promotion Consideration
Deputy Police Commissioner Trairuang Phiwphairn has publicly praised two colleagues, Tinakorn Rangmathai and Charunyakiat Pankaew, as candidates for police commander positions. In a Facebook post, he highlighted their investigative skills, work ethic, and commitment to recovering victims' assets in complex cases ranging from drug trafficking to cybercrime.
Deputy Police Commissioner Trairuang Phiwphairn has posted on Facebook about colleagues being considered for police commander-level promotions at the end of August. He wrote as a fellow officer who has worked alongside them on major investigations, without endorsing who should or shouldn't be promoted.
Regarding Tinakorn Rangmathai, known as "Rong O," Phiwphairn recalled their collaboration on cases ranging from transnational crime and intellectual property violations to drug trafficking and cybercrime. He described Rong O as an imaginative investigator—someone who can see what others miss in the same set of data. Phiwphairn noted Rong O's inseparable bond with his iPad during meetings, always documenting ideas and coordinating tasks, but emphasized this masked someone who thinks and acts fast and follows cases to completion.
During drug suppression operations under the "Every Pill" initiative, Rong O was instrumental in tackling drug networks. When crime shifted online, he adapted quickly. Phiwphairn praised his approach to cybercrime cases, emphasizing not just catching criminals but recovering stolen money for victims. For victims, that money may represent their life savings. Phiwphairn also recalled an instance when Rong O personally went to court to request a search warrant for a critical case—a task requiring him to explain evidence and answer judicial questions, showing his willingness to stand accountable.
Phiwphairn characterized Rong O as a police officer ready to challenge wrongdoing and corruption. While circumstances, criminals, and technology change, his investigative mindset and courage to act remain constant. For a commanding officer needing someone to hand off an important mission and walk away without looking back, Rong O is that person.
Phiwphairn also mentioned working with Charunyakiat Pankaew, known as "Pee Tao," on a major investigation by the Royal Thai Police. The post was cut off but highlighted his contributions to significant cases.