Knight’s Ring tradition reinstated by Thai Police to honour commendable officers

[webfact]

 

The tradition of awarding the “Knight’s Ring” to commendable officers has been reinstated by the new chief of national police, Police General Torsak Sukvimol.

 

The ceremony, which took place at the Royal Police Cadet Academy in Sam Phran district, Nakhon Pathom, on Oct 17, saw Pol Cap Thanamorn Nunat of Pathumwan station being honoured with the first Knight’s Ring under Pol Gen Torsak’s leadership.

 

Pol Cap Thanamorn received the accolade for his display of bravery and leadership during the Oct 3 shooting incident at the Siam Paragon shopping mall. The reinstatement of the Knight’s ring tradition aims to uplift the spirits of dedicated officers and recognise their commitment to their duties.

 

“This tradition is intended to honour police for their outstanding performance and contribution to the Royal Thai Police, society and the country,” Pol Gen Torsak stated.

 

by Mitch Connor

Police Photo

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-23

 

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[bamnutsak]

From the linked article...

 

The Knight’s Ring tradition was initially introduced by Pol Gen Phao Sriyanon, who served as director-general of the Police Department from 1951 to 1957. The Knight’s ring, made of gold and adorned with a police cap emblem, was a symbol of recognition for law enforcers who demonstrated courage in suppressing crime and contributed significantly to the progress of the force.

 

However, the Knight’s ring tradition was discontinued after Pol Gen Phao fled to Switzerland following the 1957 coup and subsequently passed away in exile.

 

 

Pol Gen Phao Sriyanon's Wiki

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phao_Siyanon

 

 

Police terror

Phao was promoted to the position of director of the police in 1951, by which time he had become one of the country's all-powerful triumvirate. A client of the CIA, Phao received funds and hardware to build his personal fortune, as well as the expertise of US paramilitaries such as James William Lair to turn the police into an alternative force to oppose his military rival, Sarit Thanarat.

 

Phao established an intimate circle of police officers, known generally as the "knights of the diamond ring", which was notorious for its treatment of opponents of the government and the police generals, even resorting to assassination and murder. Their crimes were many:

 

 

He sounds like a wonderful person to represent the finest of the RTP.

 

 

[herfiehandbag]

The practice of honouring and paying respect to rings amongst the highly placed and well thought of in this organisation (kissing them in vulgar parlance) never really went away, did it?

[NONG CHOK]

I wonder how many of Pattaya's fearless crime busters qualified for the Knights Ring.

[bendejo]

54 minutes ago, bamnutsak said:

Phao established an intimate circle of police officers, known generally as the "knights of the diamond ring", which was notorious for its treatment of opponents of the government and the police generals, even resorting to assassination and murder.

I can't keep track of how many times I've heard about developing countries establishing an elite LE entity answerable only to the highest echelons.

But in this case, is it a step up in the BiB v. military competition?

 

[mikebell]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

This tradition is intended to honour police for their outstanding performance and contribution to the Royal Thai Police, society and the country,

Or in Pattaya the last two sectors are forgotten; only contributions to the Royal Thai Police are recognised.  The original 'inventor' of this scheme awarded four rings.  The new guy will struggle to find this many in a decade.

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

The tradition of awarding the “Knight’s Ring” to commendable officers has been reinstated by the new chief of national police, Police General Torsak Sukvimol.

Is that gold or brown like the uniform ?

[Denim]

Looks a bit like Judge Dreads

 

[ignore it]

For the less than fearless policeman who wants to steal a little valor, there's a similar ring available on a popular online shopping app for under 300 baht. 

 

Edited October 23, 2023 by ignore it

[edwinchester]

Is there anything else more satisfying than slipping a finger into a Knights Ring?

[PETERTHEEATER]

(Police investigator grilling suspect)

"Sing, sing or show me your ring"

[retarius]

I wonder who gets to decide who is commendable or not? Would Joe Ferrari have been commended? 

[proton]

At least they won't have to make many, about 12 should last a few years

[Middle Aged Grouch]

To  be part of Sin city's finest, would it depend on the size of the brown enveloppe handed over above, as for the promotions ?