Politics in the Promotions and Appointments of the Royal Thai Police

Abstract

© 2017 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. This research is aimed at assessing problems and obstacles in the promotion and transfer procedures used for police officers at the Royal Thai Police. The study focused on the promotion and transfer of police officers in 2010. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. Data were collected from documents, in-depth interviews, and attitude surveys. The survey included 1,319 police officers, ranging in rank from Commander to Squad Leader. It was found that political involvement in making transfers and promotions mainly affected police commissioned officers. The rules and regulations for promotions and transfers of officers were overall considered to be very fair. However, there were other aspects considered to be less fair. It was also found that politicians and other outside influential figures, as well as nepotism, played a role by interfering in the procedures for promotion and transfer of police officers. It is recommended that related legislation is amended. Ranks should be abolished and only position titles should be used.