Police reform in Thailand: uncovering corruption and power games!

Police reform in Thailand: uncovering corruption and power games!

The situation surrounding police reform in Thailand is tense, and current developments are making people sit up and take notice. Reported on November 17, 2025 LINE Today, that General Surachet Hakpan, better known as “Joke Wanjiab”, plays a central role in this reform. He is an interesting figure who once made his career as a deputy police chief and rose quickly from his start as police chief in Hat Yai, Songkhla Province in 1994. Although his promotion took place during the military coup in 2014, his ties to the government, particularly Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, are at the center of the debate.

However, there is a dark side, like Fulcrum illuminated. Corruption and illegal activities have increased in the Thai police force, according to reports. The years of military rule in particular appear to have further exacerbated the problem. Criminal activities, including online gambling, have significantly compromised the authority's integrity. Surachet himself found himself caught in the crossfire of allegations and was arrested in April 2024 on money laundering charges.

Internal conflicts and reactions

The dismissals of Surachet and police commander Torsak Sukvimol have also highlighted internal tensions within the Royal Thai Police. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin transferred both to inactive positions on March 20, 2024. This came after a meeting with former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, which further fueled discussion about political interference. Torsak's rapid rise within the police force, despite having no formal police training, is due to his close ties to the royal family.

The problem of corruption is not new, as the history of the Thai administration shows: corruption has been complained about for almost a century. The LINE Today article highlights the need for fundamental police reform that not only aims to uncover wrongdoing, but also requires a profound change in police culture and structure. An important aspect here is that the opinions of police officers themselves should be integrated into the reform process, which could bring a breath of fresh air into the ailing police structure.

The path to reform

New police chief Kittirat Phanpet will address the challenges with a new police law from 2022 that includes salary increases and improved complaints mechanisms. But critics warn that this law potentially allows political interference in the police. While the reforms appear urgent on the surface, the question remains whether they can actually be implemented in the spirit of transparent and accountable policing.

Whether the hope for a fairer system can be fulfilled remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the problems in the Thai police are deeply rooted and calls for reform require more than just terms in political speeches. The coming months could be crucial in determining whether Thailand is on its way to a new era of policing or whether it remains the same.