Torsak tipped to become new police chief

Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol will be the new national police chief, replacing Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas, a police source has said.

Torsak: Endorsed by police commission

The source said the national chief seat was among top-tier posts considered at a high-level meeting yesterday presided over by Pol Gen Damrongsak, who is due to retire on Sept 30.

Pol Gen Torsak’s name is among a list of reshuffled officers that need vetting and endorsement by the Police Commission chaired by caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha today.

The source also said that Pol Lt Gen Ittipon Ittisanronnachai, Provincial Police Region (PPR) 2 commissioner, will be appointed the new Immigration Bureau chief, while Pol Lt Gen Thiti Saengsawang would stay put as Metropolitan Police Bureau commissioner.

Elsewhere, Pol Lt Gen Surapon Prembut is to be promoted from deputy to commissioner of PPR1, while Pol Lt Gen Nithithorn Chintakanon, commissioner of the Royal Thai Police’s national police chief office, was put forward to take on the top position at PPR2.

Pol Lt Gen Somprasong Yentuam is to remain as PPR3 chief, while police inspector-general Pol Lt Gen Santi Chainiramai will be promoted to PPR4 chief and Police Strategy chief Pol Lt Gen Naiyawat Phadermchit will be PPR5 chief.

Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwpan, commissioner of the Office of Legal Affairs and Litigation, will take on the role of PPR 7 commissioner, whereas Pol Lt Gen Surapong Thanomjit will stay on as PPR 8 commissioner.

Pol Lt Gen Udon Yomcharoen will become the new head of the Tourist Police, and Pol Maj Gen Yongkiat Monpraneet will be promoted to become the new commander of the Border Patrol Police.