Bangkok: The Prime Minister declined to comment on the list of police generals, while the Police Chief insisted there was no pre-determined list and no one was a prot©g©, stating that appointments were made based on performance and legal considerations.
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, refrained from commenting on the ongoing controversy regarding the promotion list for police generals. Police General Kittirat Panpetch, the National Police Chief and chairman of the Police Personnel Appointment Committee, is set to hold a meeting on August 21st. This committee, which includes deputy national police chiefs and representatives from the Civil Service Commission, will deliberate on suitable candidates for various appointments at the Police Region level, ranging from deputy national police chief to police commissioner level.
Questions have arisen concerning the exclusion of Police Major General Teeradet Thammasuthee, Deputy Commissioner of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police, from the list of those promoted to commander level, despite his performance. Conversely, Police Major General Jaroonkiat Panngew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, has been promoted to the rank of Police Lieutenant General.
When reporters attempted to inquire about the finalization of the police generals' list, the Prime Minister chose not to respond, directing attention to Police General Kittirat Panpetch instead. The Prime Minister then departed for an overseas mission. Police General Kittirat addressed the situation, emphasizing that all procedures are in line with legal frameworks, specifically the National Police Act and the Police Commission. He stated that there is no predetermined list and that decisions are based on unit recommendations presented to the National Police Office for further consideration.
The Police Chief also addressed rumors regarding the stability of names from the 47th police cadet class compared to the upward movement of the 48th class to the rank of Police Lieutenant General. He affirmed that no restrictions exist based on police cadet class affiliation, and that seniority is determined by history and achievements. Assuring fair treatment, he confirmed that all decisions adhere to established procedures.