Law
Thai Police Annual Reshuffle Process Begins for 2026
The Royal Thai Police has initiated the annual selection process for senior officer appointments, with 163 positions currently vacant.
On August 23, 2026, the Royal Thai Police held a meeting of the screening committee at the Police Operations Center to discuss the annual appointment of senior officers. According to a report by Khaosod Online, Police General Kitrat Phanphet, the Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, presided over the session to evaluate candidates for positions ranging from Assistant Commissioner-General down to Provincial Police Commander (Commander level).
This year’s reshuffle involves 163 vacant positions, including three spots for Deputy Commissioner-General, six for Assistant Commissioner-General, and 19 for Commissioner. The committee is also reviewing 94 Commander-level positions. Notable discussions during the session included potential reassignments, such as the move of Aticha Paoin to oversee Provincial Police Region 3 and the promotion of the officer known as 'Big Tao' to a staff commissioner role.
For residents and travelers, these administrative changes are part of the standard internal restructuring of the Thai police force. While such reshuffles are routine, they are closely monitored for their potential impact on regional law enforcement leadership and policy implementation. The final list of appointments remains subject to the committee's ongoing deliberations and formal approval processes. Further details regarding the specific officers assigned to each jurisdiction will be confirmed once the official selection process concludes.