Thailand’s new police chief, Pol General Torsak Sukvimol, is a non-cadet who joined the force at the age of 33, but then quickly rose through the ranks.
Torsak, 59, is the 14th commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police since the force was upgraded from the Police Department in 1998.
He was selected in a vote by the Police Commission, chaired by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, on September 27, replacing Pol General Damrongsak Kittipraphat whose compulsory retirement came at the end of September. Torsak’s appointment won royal endorsement on September 30.
The commission’s decision came shortly after media reported the selection of a new police chief had been postponed, with the most senior candidate, Roy Ingkapairoj, standing in as caretaker. However, just hours later, all but one member of the Police Commission voted for Torsak – the fourth and least senior candidate –…
