Thailand's Police Commission has unanimously approved Pol Gen Samran Nualma, the deputy national police chief, as the country's 16th national police chief.
The 12-member Police Commission, known as the Kor. Tor., voted 12-0 in favour of Samran on 22 July. The selection was said to have followed the National Police Act 2022, with seniority, ability and experience in investigation and crime suppression all considered.
A 50:50 scoring formula
According to reports, the commission assessed the deputy national police chiefs under a system giving equal weight to seniority and knowledge and ability.
The 50:50 calculation was divided across five areas of police work, reportedly to ensure transparency and avoid decisions based on unchecked discretion. All 12 commissioners considered the candidates using that framework.
Samran was judged to have the strongest and most complete qualifications among the contenders. His career has included royal protection duties, criminal investigation work, traffic policing and security work in Thailand's southern border provinces.
Metropolitan command experience
A key factor cited in the decision was Samran's previous role as commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau. He was the only candidate to have held that post, which involves managing a force of more than 20,000 personnel.
The position was seen as evidence of his leadership ability and experience overseeing a large command with a wide range of policing responsibilities. Bangkok policing is particularly significant for expats and visitors, given the capital's concentration of international residents, businesses, embassies and tourist areas.
Reports said the three other deputy national police chiefs had not managed a principal command such as the Metropolitan Police Bureau or a provincial regional police command. They had also not previously served as police station chiefs.
As a result, they were said not to have led a main command covering all five types of police work in the way the Royal Thai Police does. The commission ultimately gave Samran unanimous approval.
What happens next
The commission's decision clears the way for Samran to take the top role in the Royal Thai Police. The report did not set out a timetable for his formal assumption of office or announce any policy priorities.
Picture courtesy of Daily News
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23 July 2026
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