Big Tai appointed as new police commissioner with unanimous vote

The former Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), 58 year old Kittirat Phanphet, also known as Big Tai, became the new commissioner yesterday, October 7, receiving unanimous votes from the committee.

Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra attended a meeting with the Office of the Police Commission yesterday. The key item on the agenda was the selection of the new commissioner of the RTP, following the retirement of the former commissioner, Torsak Sukvimol, on September 30.

Big Tai, who will retire in the next two years, was the most likely candidate to secure the position due to his age and recent role as the acting commissioner of the RTP under the leadership of former PM Srettha Thavisin and PM Paetongtarn.

Before the meeting began, PM Paetongtarn addressed the attendees and media, stating that she was proud to speak in front of the police officers because she was also a descendant of a police officer, as her father, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, previously served with the Metropolitan Police Bureau.

The 38 year old Thai premier shared that she wanted each officer to follow policies in line with the government’s priorities, such as the prevention and suppression of drugs, call centre scams, and other urgent issues affecting Thai citizens.

After the speech, nominations for the new commissioner were made. Three names were proposed: the most senior Police General Kittirat Phanphet, the second most senior Police General Kraiboon Suadsong, and the third most senior Police General Thana Choowong.

According to Section 78 of the Royal Thai Police Act, the prime minister would choose one name, and the members of the Office of the Police Commission would express their opinions and vote. Each candidate would present their accomplishments before the selection.

After the presentations, the three candidates were asked to leave the meeting. The vote commenced, and all eight members cast their votes for Big Tai, making him the 15th commissioner of the RTP.

The Prime Minister will then submit Kittirat’s appointment to His Majesty the King for royal approval.