Rutthapon Naowarat: Thailand’s new justice minister and the Buri Ram connection

Police Maj General Rutthapon Naowarat officially stepped into politics on Friday (September 19) with his appointment as Thailand’s new justice minister.

His first foray into politics could last just four months, however, if Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Bhumjaithai keeps his promise to the opposition Move Forward Party and dissolves the House for a fresh election.

Though likely to be brief, Rutthapon’s Justice Ministry tenure won’t be easy, with two hot issues – the Khao Kradong land scandal in Buri Ram and alleged Senate election corruption – waiting in his in-tray.

Police background

Rutthapon’s roots run deep in law enforcement. Now 60, he was born into a family of police officers, with his father, Police Lt-Colonel Wichian Naowarat, and grandfather, Pol Sub-Lieutenant Klao Naowarat, both serving with distinction. Following in the family tradition, Rutthapon’s son is the latest member to join the police force.

Rutthapon completed his early education at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School, Class 24, before joining the Royal Police Cadet Academy (RPCA), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration. He then pursued a master’s in the same field at the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA).

He furthered his education with several training courses, including a program in Louisiana, United States.

Inspired by former police chief Pol General Adul Saengsingkaeo, whom he met at the RPCA, Rutthapon chose to start his career in the Nakae district of Nakhon Phanom, before joining the Provincial Police Region 3 and enlisting at the Mueang Buri Ram Police Station as inspector in 1997.

He rose rapidly up the ranks, becoming deputy commander and then commander of the Buri Ram police force. He retired in early 2025 as deputy commander of Provincial Police Region 3.

Political ties and local influence

Rutthapon’s long experience in Buri Ram brought him into close contact with influential political figures, including provincial “godfather” Newin Chidchob, widely regarded as de facto leader of the Bhumjaithai Party.

Although Newin has officially retired from politics, so formidable is his network and influence that he is often referred to as Thailand’s kingmaker.

Rutthapon earned prominence in Buri Ram this year by helping organise high-profile events, including motorcycling’s PT Grand Prix of Thailand at Chang International Circuit.He was also involved in the Buri Ram Marathon 2025, which was presided over by Newin’s younger brother Police General Permpoon Chidchob, then the education minister.

The two international events elevated Rutthapon’s profile in Buri Ram political circles as a trusted and capable figure.

Buri Ram is also home to Chang Arena, a 32,600-seat football stadium and home of Buriram United football club, which has flourished under Newin’s leadership.

However, the Chidchob family were recently hit by controversy when the Pheu Thai-led government under Paetongtarn Shinawatra pushed to revoke land title deeds for Khao Kradong – home to Chang Arena and Chang International Circuit – claiming the land belonged to the State Railway of Thailand.

Rocky road ahead

Political observers say Rutthapon was handed the justice portfolio thanks to his Buri Ram connections, with jurisdiction to quell scandals like the Khao Kradong land dispute and alleged senatorial election meddling in favour of Bhumjaithai.

They add that his law enforcement experience, coupled with Bhumjaithai connections, could be vital for the survival of Anutin’s government.

Rutthapon also has ties to an elected senator: his former boss, Police Maj General Chatrawat Saengphet.

Chatrawat was also the boss of Police Lt-General Chanchai Pongpichitkul, who was initially considered for the justice minister’s job. Reports suggest Chanchai stepped aside because his Buri Ram links were too conspicuous, paving the way for Rutthapon. Chanchai is a Buri Ram native who also served as its police chief.