Thailand's Immigration Bureau held a formal handover ceremony on 30 September as its commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyalak, retired from the police service.

Pol Lt Gen Noppasin Poolsawat, currently a commissioner attached to the Royal Thai Police headquarters, received the Immigration Bureau's unit flag and the chief's responsibilities at the event in Muang Thong Thani.

Ceremony at Muang Thong Thani

The ceremony took place at the Royal Thai Police Personnel Training and Welfare Development Centre building in Muang Thong Thani.

Pol Lt Gen Phanumas reached mandatory retirement age on 30 September. Before the formal proceedings, he and Pol Lt Gen Noppasin paid respect to Phra Phuttha Metta Mahanakhon Aphirak, also known as Luang Pho Khao Muang, the Immigration Bureau's revered Buddha image.

They also paid respect to Luang Pho To and the guardian-spirit shrine.

Pol Lt Gen Phanumas then signed over his work and responsibilities in the official handover register. He later received a salute, inspected the honour guard and formally passed the Immigration Bureau flag to Pol Lt Gen Noppasin.

Police officers lined up to present roses in recognition of the retiring commissioner's service. The atmosphere was described as warm as Pol Lt Gen Phanumas thanked officers for their work and congratulated his successor.

As he left, he told Pol Lt Gen Noppasin: "I leave the unit in your care."

A formal end to his service

The handover concluded Pol Lt Gen Phanumas's police career, with the transfer of the bureau flag marking the symbolic passing of command to Pol Lt Gen Noppasin.

Pictures courtesy of Matichon

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1 October 2026

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i wonder whether a new immigration bureau chief might bring any changes that could potentially affect us foreigners negatively ...?

I guess no meritocracy here then.

1 hour ago, motdaeng said:

i wonder whether a new immigration bureau chief might bring any changes that could potentially affect us foreigners negatively ...?

Perhaps he can bring about positive changes—for instance, regarding the collusion between corrupt immigration offices and illegal visa agents who pay huge sums of money. He could also simplify procedures, eliminate paper waste, and move much more of the process online.

1 hour ago, Mr Janneman said:

Perhaps he can bring about positive changes—for instance, regarding the collusion between corrupt immigration offices and illegal visa agents who pay huge sums of money. He could also simplify procedures, eliminate paper waste, and move much more of the process online.

Sorry, but have you tried a career as a stand up comedian?