Law
Police Leadership Sets New Operational Directives in Chiang Mai
Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwphan has issued new operational guidelines for 38 police stations across Chiang Mai province, emphasizing community engagement and strict internal discipline.
On September 15, 2026, Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwphan, Deputy Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police and spokesperson for the force, conducted an official inspection of the Chiang Mai Provincial Police. During the visit, he met with senior officers and the chiefs of 38 local police stations to outline a new operational framework.
The core directive, summarized as “stay close to the people, stay close to the problems, and stay close to subordinates,” mandates that officers maintain a proactive presence in their communities. Lt. Gen. Trairong emphasized the importance of strict adherence to national police policies, urging supervisors to monitor the conduct and discipline of their subordinates closely to prevent serious misconduct. Additionally, the directive includes a requirement for rigorous monitoring of individuals who have recently been released from prison.
For residents and travelers in Chiang Mai, this development signals a potential increase in police visibility and a renewed focus on local law enforcement oversight. While these directives aim to improve public safety and police accountability, the practical impact on daily life remains to be seen. It is not yet clear how these internal administrative changes will manifest in specific community policing strategies or if they will lead to changes in how local law enforcement interacts with the public. Further updates on the implementation of these policies are expected as local stations begin to integrate these guidelines into their daily operations.
