According to Seasia Stats' latest data compilation, Indonesia has the largest number of police officers in Southeast Asia, reflecting its status as the region's most populous nation. The data, gathered from official sources and reputable organizations such as Polri (Indonesian National Police), PNP (Philippine National Police), Interpol, and others, covers the period from 2020 to 2023.
Indonesia stands out with a total of 436,432 police officers, securing the top spot. This is followed by Thailand, with 230,000 officers, and the Philippines, with 221,419 officers. Malaysia ranks fourth with 134,978 officers, while Myanmar follows with 93,000.
On the other end of the scale, Laos has the fewest police officers, totaling just 2,900, placing it at the bottom of the rankings. Other countries with relatively smaller police forces include Timor-Leste, which has 4,165 officers, and Brunei, with 4,400 officers. Singapore, with a more modest population, fields around 15,000 officers.
National Police Numbers in Southeast Asia (2020-2023 Update):
- Indonesia – 436,432
- Thailand – 230,000
- Philippines – 221,419
- Malaysia – 134,978
- Myanmar – 93,000
- Cambodia – 62,617
- Singapore – 15,000
- Brunei Darussalam – 4,400
- Timor-Leste – 4,165
- Laos – 2,900
Unfortunately, Seasia Stats was unable to obtain reliable data on the number of police officers in Viet Nam. This reflects ongoing challenges in accessing comprehensive information across all Southeast Asian countries.
This latest update provides an insightful look at the distribution of law enforcement personnel across the region, highlighting the differences in scale and resources among Southeast Asian nations.
