End of the line for ‘Big Joke’
Police chief hopes go up in smoke as dismissal finally made official
by Wassayos Ngamkham
August 16, 2024
Any hope Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn might have had of becoming national police chief this year has evaporated with the official announcement in the Royal Gazette of his dismissal from the force.
The high-profile officer known as “Big Joke” was removed from his position due to a pending investigation of a serious breach of discipline, said the announcement. The order was retroactive to April 18.
The Royal Gazette announcement, countersigned by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, also stated that a royal command to dismiss Pol Gen Surachate under Sections 140 and 179 of the Royal Thai Police Act BE 2565, and Police Commission regulations, had been issued.
The dismissal disqualifies Pol Gen Surachate from being considered as a candidate for national police chief. The current chief, Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, will retire on Sept 30.
The dismissal order stems from allegations that Pol Gen Surachate was involved in an online gambling network, into which investigations are continuing. The Police Commission voted 12:0 in June to affirm the order.
He later filed an appeal with the Police Officers’ Merit System Protection Commission. However the commission on Aug 5 reached a consensus that the order was appropriate and legitimate.
Pol Gen Surachate has one more legal card to play. He has filed a complaint against the order with the Supreme Court, according to Pol Gen Ek Aungsananon, a member of the Police Commission.
If the court rules in his favour, the dismissal order would be revoked, allowing him to be reinstated as deputy national police chief, said Pol Gen Ek.
It is not known when or if the Supreme Court will consider the case.
Pol Gen Surachate has claimed on several occasions that he was being persecuted because he was the front-runner to succeed Pol Gen Torsak. The allegations of criminal activity are part of the campaign against him, he has said.
A long-simmering conflict between factions loyal to Pol Gen Surachate and Pol Gen Torsak intensified last year after the latter was chosen as chief despite having less seniority than any other candidate. Pol Gen Torsak is the brother of ACM Satitpong Sukvimol, Lord Chamberlain and head of the Crown Property Bureau.
The feud became such a distraction for the force that then-prime minister Srettha Thavisin in March moved both police generals to inactive posts pending the outcome of an investigation.
The investigation report concluded that there had been factional conflict on the force for a long time, but said that investigations into alleged wrongdoing were for other bodies to decide.
It recommended the reinstatement of Pol Gen Torsak and also said Pol Gen Surachate had been “unfairly dismissed from duty pending investigation”.
Nevertheless, the Police Commission still went ahead and approved the dismissal order.
Pol Lt Gen Surachate was long considered a rising star on the police force. He was rarely out of the headlines, placing himself front and centre at the scene of high-profile cases involving everything from immigration violators to illegal motorcycle racers, as well as computer crime cases involving another unit that he headed.
The son of a policeman, Surachate was born in 1970 in Songkhla. After joining the force, he quickly rose through the ranks to command a local station and later moved to Bangkok to head the 191 task force. From there he moved to the tourist police before landing the top job at the Immigration Bureau in 2018, and later becoming a deputy chief.
In 2020 a gunman fired eight shots into Pol Gen Surachate’s parked Lexus while he was at a “business meeting” in Bang Rak district of Bangkok. The case has never been solved.
According to a police source, three police generals are candidates to become the next chief: Kitrat Phanphet and Thana Chuwong, currently deputy chiefs; and Kraiboon Suadsong, an inspector-general.
https://www.gaybuttonthai.com/viewtopic ... ke#p113912
Et Tu Big Joke?
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Gaybutton
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Re: Et Tu Big Joke?
His dismissal couldn't have come soon enough IMO.
I know he projected himself as the "tough...honest...get the job done" police officer, but in reality he was raking in the big bucks behind the scene - and spent more time standing in front of the cameras promoting himself than he did actually fighting crime. Big Joke was the "Big Joke"...at least that's the way the majority of educated Thais see him according to Jai.
I nominate Thai Ladyboy Ginger of Thai Street Meat fame as the new Commissioner. With her knowledge of Thailand's corrupt underground she would be great at overseeing prostitution, gambling, and pot smoking when they become legal...
I know he projected himself as the "tough...honest...get the job done" police officer, but in reality he was raking in the big bucks behind the scene - and spent more time standing in front of the cameras promoting himself than he did actually fighting crime. Big Joke was the "Big Joke"...at least that's the way the majority of educated Thais see him according to Jai.
I nominate Thai Ladyboy Ginger of Thai Street Meat fame as the new Commissioner. With her knowledge of Thailand's corrupt underground she would be great at overseeing prostitution, gambling, and pot smoking when they become legal...
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Gaybutton
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Re: Et Tu Big Joke?
Who oversees it while illegal . . . ?
Whether legal or not, so what? It all goes on anyway.
Re: Et Tu Big Joke?
Surely people would only pay tea money for illegal activity ? Therefore creating an incentive for corrupt officials to keep enough activities illegal.
A cynic would expect them to keep cannabis legal for just long enough to create the market, then make it illegal & collect bribes off a large number of outlets.
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Gaybutton
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Re: Et Tu Big Joke?
Is this an example of corruption at its finest? The article says they were "removed from their duties". But the article says nothing about any further consequences, such as possible prison terms, confiscation of their ill gotten money, or anything else. If these high level crooks get to keep the money, they're probably crying about it - all the way to the bank . . .
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8 police officers fired for alleged involvement with gambling website
by THE NATION
September 3, 2024
The officers, reportedly close associates of Pol Gen Surachate ‘Big Joke’ Hakparn, removed for severe disciplinary violations
National Police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol on Monday issued an order removing eight police officers from their duties for alleged involvement in online gambling websites linked to Suchanun “Minnie” Sucharitchinsri, an influential figure in Loei province.
The order alleged that the eight officers committed severe disciplinary violations through their involvement in criminal case no. 468/2566, which saw the perpetrators charged with money laundering offences by the Thung Maha Mek Police Station.
The police chief also ordered an investigation committee to be set up to probe into the actions of the eight officers, whose ranks range from police major general, major, lieutenant colonel, colonel to sergeant. They were listed as a commander with the Metropolitan Police Bureau; a deputy investigation chief of Region 4 Provincial Police; the chief of Chanthaburi Immigration Police; the chief of Chachoengsao Immigration Police; a deputy chief of Phra Samut Chedi Station, a deputy chief of Phra Pradaeng Station; a squad leader at Traffic Police Division 6; and a squad leader at Bang Pakong Station.
A news source familiar with the matter said the eight are close subordinates of former deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, also known as “Big Joke”, who was previously dismissed over an allegation of involvement in the Minnie gambling case.
The source added that the eight had been transferred to inactive positions at the Royal Thai Police Operations Centre since September 27, 2023 under the order of then National Police chief Pol General Damrongsak Kittiprapas. The order was extended on February 15, 2024 by Torsak.
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40041136
___________________________________________________________
8 police officers fired for alleged involvement with gambling website
by THE NATION
September 3, 2024
The officers, reportedly close associates of Pol Gen Surachate ‘Big Joke’ Hakparn, removed for severe disciplinary violations
National Police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol on Monday issued an order removing eight police officers from their duties for alleged involvement in online gambling websites linked to Suchanun “Minnie” Sucharitchinsri, an influential figure in Loei province.
The order alleged that the eight officers committed severe disciplinary violations through their involvement in criminal case no. 468/2566, which saw the perpetrators charged with money laundering offences by the Thung Maha Mek Police Station.
The police chief also ordered an investigation committee to be set up to probe into the actions of the eight officers, whose ranks range from police major general, major, lieutenant colonel, colonel to sergeant. They were listed as a commander with the Metropolitan Police Bureau; a deputy investigation chief of Region 4 Provincial Police; the chief of Chanthaburi Immigration Police; the chief of Chachoengsao Immigration Police; a deputy chief of Phra Samut Chedi Station, a deputy chief of Phra Pradaeng Station; a squad leader at Traffic Police Division 6; and a squad leader at Bang Pakong Station.
A news source familiar with the matter said the eight are close subordinates of former deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, also known as “Big Joke”, who was previously dismissed over an allegation of involvement in the Minnie gambling case.
The source added that the eight had been transferred to inactive positions at the Royal Thai Police Operations Centre since September 27, 2023 under the order of then National Police chief Pol General Damrongsak Kittiprapas. The order was extended on February 15, 2024 by Torsak.
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40041136
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Gaybutton
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Re: Et Tu Big Joke?
‘Big Joke’ to be fired without a pension
Police disciplinary body cites high-profile lawman’s alleged ties to gambling network
by Wassayos Ngamkham
March 7, 2025
A police disciplinary committee on Friday resolved unanimously to fire Pol Gen Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, a former deputy police chief, over his alleged involvement in an online gambling network. He will not receive any pension.
The decision brings the long and colourful career of the high-profile lawman closer to an end. He has been sidelined since August last year when a royal command was issued to remove him from the force, on the recommendation of the Police Commission.
Pol Gen Surachate appealed to the Supreme Administrative Court, which ruled in December that the removal was legally just. All that remained to be decided was the punishment the force would impose.
The firing and loss of pension now awaits the final endorsement of the national police chief, Pol Gen Kittharat Punpetch.
Local media reports quoted Pol Gen Surachate as saying he was unaware of the latest decision. He said he wanted to review the committee’s report before deciding whether to appeal further.
The committee that met on Friday was chaired by deputy national police chief Pol Gen Kraibun Thuadsong, according to a police source. All of the other deputy chiefs were present. Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneela, an inspector-general, was absent.
Pol Gen Surachate, a high-profile figure with a flair for self-promotion, has attracted unwanted publicity over the past year because of allegations that he and four subordinates were involved in money laundering for the BNK Master gambling network.
The former deputy chief has denied the allegations, saying they were concocted by rivals on the force to block his path to the police chief’s position.
A long-simmering conflict between factions loyal to Pol Gen Surachate and Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol intensified in late 2023 after the latter was chosen as chief despite having less seniority than any other candidate. Pol Gen Torsak is the brother of ACM Satitpong Sukvimol, Lord Chamberlain and head of the Crown Property Bureau.
The feud became such a distraction for the force that then-prime minister Srettha Thavisin in March 2024 moved both police generals to inactive posts pending the outcome of an investigation.
The investigation report concluded that there had been factional conflict on the force for a long time, but said that investigations into alleged wrongdoing were for other bodies to decide.
It recommended the reinstatement of Pol Gen Torsak and also said Pol Gen Surachate had been “unfairly dismissed from duty pending investigation”.
Nevertheless, the Police Commission still went ahead and approved the dismissal order.
Rising star
Pol Lt Gen Surachate was long considered a rising star on the police force. He was rarely out of the headlines, placing himself front and centre at the scene of high-profile cases involving everything from immigration violators to illegal motorcycle racers, as well as computer crime cases involving another unit that he headed.
The son of a policeman, Surachate was born in 1970 in Songkhla. After joining the force, he quickly rose through the ranks to command a local station and later moved to Bangkok to head the 191 task force. From there he moved to the tourist police before landing the top job at the Immigration Bureau in 2018, and later becoming a deputy chief.
In 2020 Pol Gen Surachate was the apparent target of gunmen who fired seven bullets into his Lexus while it was parked on Surawong Road in Bangkok.
He denied the incident had been staged, saying the attack was related to the Immigration Bureau’s procurement of an expensive biometric screening system, which was recently revealed to be non-functional.
The case was never solved, and a senior officer was later dismissed over the leak of a recording in which a superior is heard telling him not to pursue the investigation.
In July 2023 it was reported that the National Anti-Corruption Commission was planning to file charges against former national police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda and three other high-level officers in connection with the procurement of the biometric system. There has been no progress in the case since then.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -a-pension
Police disciplinary body cites high-profile lawman’s alleged ties to gambling network
by Wassayos Ngamkham
March 7, 2025
A police disciplinary committee on Friday resolved unanimously to fire Pol Gen Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, a former deputy police chief, over his alleged involvement in an online gambling network. He will not receive any pension.
The decision brings the long and colourful career of the high-profile lawman closer to an end. He has been sidelined since August last year when a royal command was issued to remove him from the force, on the recommendation of the Police Commission.
Pol Gen Surachate appealed to the Supreme Administrative Court, which ruled in December that the removal was legally just. All that remained to be decided was the punishment the force would impose.
The firing and loss of pension now awaits the final endorsement of the national police chief, Pol Gen Kittharat Punpetch.
Local media reports quoted Pol Gen Surachate as saying he was unaware of the latest decision. He said he wanted to review the committee’s report before deciding whether to appeal further.
The committee that met on Friday was chaired by deputy national police chief Pol Gen Kraibun Thuadsong, according to a police source. All of the other deputy chiefs were present. Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneela, an inspector-general, was absent.
Pol Gen Surachate, a high-profile figure with a flair for self-promotion, has attracted unwanted publicity over the past year because of allegations that he and four subordinates were involved in money laundering for the BNK Master gambling network.
The former deputy chief has denied the allegations, saying they were concocted by rivals on the force to block his path to the police chief’s position.
A long-simmering conflict between factions loyal to Pol Gen Surachate and Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol intensified in late 2023 after the latter was chosen as chief despite having less seniority than any other candidate. Pol Gen Torsak is the brother of ACM Satitpong Sukvimol, Lord Chamberlain and head of the Crown Property Bureau.
The feud became such a distraction for the force that then-prime minister Srettha Thavisin in March 2024 moved both police generals to inactive posts pending the outcome of an investigation.
The investigation report concluded that there had been factional conflict on the force for a long time, but said that investigations into alleged wrongdoing were for other bodies to decide.
It recommended the reinstatement of Pol Gen Torsak and also said Pol Gen Surachate had been “unfairly dismissed from duty pending investigation”.
Nevertheless, the Police Commission still went ahead and approved the dismissal order.
Rising star
Pol Lt Gen Surachate was long considered a rising star on the police force. He was rarely out of the headlines, placing himself front and centre at the scene of high-profile cases involving everything from immigration violators to illegal motorcycle racers, as well as computer crime cases involving another unit that he headed.
The son of a policeman, Surachate was born in 1970 in Songkhla. After joining the force, he quickly rose through the ranks to command a local station and later moved to Bangkok to head the 191 task force. From there he moved to the tourist police before landing the top job at the Immigration Bureau in 2018, and later becoming a deputy chief.
In 2020 Pol Gen Surachate was the apparent target of gunmen who fired seven bullets into his Lexus while it was parked on Surawong Road in Bangkok.
He denied the incident had been staged, saying the attack was related to the Immigration Bureau’s procurement of an expensive biometric screening system, which was recently revealed to be non-functional.
The case was never solved, and a senior officer was later dismissed over the leak of a recording in which a superior is heard telling him not to pursue the investigation.
In July 2023 it was reported that the National Anti-Corruption Commission was planning to file charges against former national police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda and three other high-level officers in connection with the procurement of the biometric system. There has been no progress in the case since then.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -a-pension
Re: Et Tu Big Joke?
Corruption and its underpinnings:
Dogs eating dogs...in a never-ending spiral of greed and betrayal.
While those at the tip of the iceberg remain untouched...only to plot how to legalize the very same activity that toppled the Big Joke so they can in-turn reep the rewards...well out-of-touch of their fellow hungry dogs and the eyes of the unsuspecting public.
Welcome to Thailand!
Dogs eating dogs...in a never-ending spiral of greed and betrayal.
While those at the tip of the iceberg remain untouched...only to plot how to legalize the very same activity that toppled the Big Joke so they can in-turn reep the rewards...well out-of-touch of their fellow hungry dogs and the eyes of the unsuspecting public.
Welcome to Thailand!
Re: Et Tu Big Joke?
That's the only reason he's been caught and prosecuted.Bangkok Post wrote: ↑Sat Mar 08, 2025 5:09 am The investigation report concluded that there had been factional conflict on the force for a long time, but said that investigations into alleged wrongdoing were for other bodies to decide.
Have the Anti-Corruption Commission been paid off? They're not very effective at preventing corruption.Bangkok Post wrote: ↑Sat Mar 08, 2025 5:09 am In July 2023 it was reported that the National Anti-Corruption Commission was planning to file charges against former national police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda and three other high-level officers in connection with the procurement of the biometric system. There has been no progress in the case since then.