28-10-2023 (BANGKOK) Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol has been appointed as the new national police chief, succeeding Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas, who is set to retire on September 30. The decision was approved by the Police Commission during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at the Royal Thai Police (RTP) headquarters on Wednesday.
As the ex-officio chairman of the Police Commission under the Royal Thai Police Act, Prime Minister Srettha reviewed an honour guard despite the rainy weather before proceeding into the building. During the meeting, Pol Gen Torsak, the current deputy national police chief, was nominated by the Prime Minister for the top police position. Following a vote, attendees selected Pol Gen Torsak with an overwhelming majority of 10 to 1.
However, prior to the vote, both Pol Gen Torsak and Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, another contender for the police chief post, were asked to temporarily leave the meeting room. The Police Commission members needed additional time to assess their qualifications before making their decision. There were initial speculations that the appointment might be deferred until October, alongside the appointments of deputy national police chiefs and commanders. Certain members of the Police Commission reportedly wanted to address a problem involving one of the four contenders, a deputy national police chief, before finalizing the appointments.
This development comes in the wake of recent raids on houses occupied by deputy police chief Pol Gen Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn as part of a police investigation into online gambling websites. The search was conducted as part of an operation codenamed “Big Cleaning Day,” targeting 30 houses in Bangkok and five provinces including Phetchaburi, Samut Prakan, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Saraburi.
Pol Gen Surachate, who is currently the deputy national police chief in charge of crime suppression, did not attend the meeting to welcome Prime Minister Srettha at the RTP headquarters, citing his stakeholder status and prior leave application. Pol Gen Torsak, who is fourth in seniority among the contenders, will retire next year.
Pol Gen Torsak’s career has been marked by notable achievements, particularly during his tenure in the Crime Suppression Division (CSD). Born in Phetchaburi in 1964, he holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Thammasat University. He began his career as an employee at Caltex Oil Thailand Co. before undergoing training in law, political science, and public administration, which paved the way for his appointment as a police officer.
Since joining the police force in 1997, Pol Gen Torsak has held various positions, including deputy inspector at a radio patrol unit under the Patrol and Special Operations Division (known as the 191 Police). He later served in the CSD and the Tourist Police Bureau before returning to the CSD. He also commanded the Police Royal Guards 904 Division before assuming the roles of deputy chief and chief of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB).
