The Thai police chief has filed criminal defamation charges against speakers at a discussion critical of the police force. On 14 February 2017, Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), authorized Pol Col Worawit Yanchinda, Acting Superintendent of the Directorate of Metropolitan Police Bureau, to file a legal complaint against Sungsidh Piriyarangsan, Dean of the College of Social Innovation of Rangsit University, and Pol Col Virut Sirisawatdibut, former Deputy Commander of Chainat provincial police.