Bangkok: In an unprecedented move, the Association of Crime Reporters and Photographers of Thailand has announced the suspension of its long-standing tradition of assigning nicknames to police officers in 2025. This decision marks a significant shift in the relationship between the Thai media and law enforcement.

According to Thai News Agency, the association released a statement on December 26, 2025, explaining that the annual tradition of nicknaming police officers was intended to reflect the media’s unbiased assessment of police work, highlighting both positive and negative aspects observed throughout the year. However, the executive committee, alongside representatives from crime media outlets, concluded that no officer demonstrated outstanding achievements warranting a nickname this year.

The decision comes amid concerns over several issues plaguing the police force, including non-transparent appointments and transfers, political interference, corruption, and internal conflicts among high-ranking officers. These factors have reportedly eroded public trust and hindered the operational efficiency of the police. Consequently, the Thai Association of Crime Reporters and Photographers unanimously decided to forgo the tradition this year, emphasizing the need for the police to restore their image and public confidence.

The association expressed hope that by 2026, the police will have taken significant steps towards regaining public trust and becoming a reliable source of reassurance. Only then, they suggested, would the tradition of assigning nicknames to reflect police performance be reconsidered.