Phuket Police Mark National Police Day with Ceremonies, Awards and Scholarships

Police officers in Phuket and across Thailand are marking National Police Day on October 17. The observance was previously held on October 13 during the reign of King Rama IX before being moved to its current date.

Phuket Provincial Police held its main commemorative activities a day earlier, on October 16. The ceremony began at 8:30am at the provincial police headquarters and was presided over by Major General Surachai Suksai, who took charge of the provincial force earlier this month.

According to Phuket Provincial Police, the programme included traditional religious ceremonies, an oath-taking ceremony and the reading of a message from the Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police.

Participants included deputy provincial police chiefs, police station commanders, representatives of other government agencies and civic organisations, retired police officers and officers’ family members.

Officers honoured and scholarships awarded

During the ceremony, outstanding police personnel received awards recognising their service. The recipients included both operational officers and administrative staff.

Scholarships were also presented to children of police officers in recognition of their good conduct and academic achievements.

Photographs released by the provincial police showed Buddhist ceremonies involving offerings to monks, the presentation of awards and scholarships to schoolchildren, and a tree-planting activity on the police headquarters grounds.

A commemorative plaque identified the tree as a ruang-phueng and recorded that it was planted by Major General Surachai Suksai on National Police Day, October 17, 2026.

Police leadership highlights public trust

During the event, Major General Surachai read a congratulatory message from the new Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, General Samran Nuanma.

The message emphasised that the police force’s responsibilities extend beyond fighting crime. Maintaining public confidence and trust in law enforcement was also highlighted as a central part of police work.

The annual observance recognises the work of police personnel throughout Thailand and provides an opportunity to honour their service and acknowledge the contribution of their families.