Royal Thai Police begins 2026 annual officer appointment process

The Royal Thai Police has initiated the annual 2026 personnel appointment process for officers ranging from Deputy Commanders down to Inspectors. Pol. Lt. Gen. Chaitpotjan Suwannarak, Commissioner of the Personnel Division, signed a memorandum stating that the process will begin on October 1, 2026, with all appointment orders required to be finalized by November 30, 2026.

Under the 2024 police appointment regulations, units must prepare seniority lists and verify qualifications, including specific criteria for investigative tracks. Officers may request voluntary transfers or rotations through their superiors within 30 days of the seniority announcement, though such requests are considered supplementary information and do not guarantee approval.

In conjunction with the national directive, the Metropolitan Police Bureau, led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom, has begun a rigorous screening process. The bureau has ordered all subordinate units to conduct detailed background checks on officers, including performance records, disciplinary history, and complaints, with reports due by October 12, 2026. Candidates must also submit performance summaries not exceeding three A4 pages to support their promotion considerations.