The bribery case involving former deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn is now under the authority of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), with police saying they are ready to arrange witness testimony and forward additional evidence without bias.
Pol Maj Gen Jruykiat Pankaeo, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, said on Wednesdsay that the force is awaiting instructions from the NACC on whether the case file will be returned for further inquiry.
Anyone wishing to provide statements or submit evidence may do so, with police recording testimony and forwarding it to the commission, he said.
Pol Gen Surachate has been accused of ordering the delivery of gold bars totalling 246 baht in weight (3.7 kilogrammes, worth 16 million baht at current prices) to an NACC commissioner overseeing an investigation into allegations made against the officer in September 2024.
The swift submission of the case was intended to prevent allegations of interference, Pol Maj Gen Jruykiat said, noting its sensitivity as it involves a senior official of the NACC.
“This is an unprecedented matter and requires careful and transparent handling,” he said. He added that several witnesses close to the former police chief have begun coming forward to provide information.
“These individuals served their former commander for many years. Speaking out today requires courage. Only the truth can protect them,” he said, adding that witnesses would be treated fairly, whether they face prosecution, receive mitigation or are designated as protected witnesses.
Pol Maj Gen Jruykiat also welcomed the NACC’s decision to remove a commissioner implicated in the case from supervisory duties over relevant investigation units, calling it a positive step that would strengthen public confidence.
He expressed confidence in the commission as an institution and said it remains a key pillar in the fight against corruption.
Addressing public attention surrounding Pol Gen Surachate’s former aide, Pol Col Phakphum Phisamai, Pol Maj Gen Jruykiat said the officer had suffered severe stress due to pressure and reputational damage.
He said Pol Col Phakphum ultimately chose to cooperate fully with investigators, describing the decision as courageous. All witness testimony will be assessed alongside forensic and financial evidence, to ensure credibility, Pol Maj Gen Jruykiat said.
The bribery accusation is the latest in a number of allegations against Pol Gen Surachate, who was fired without a pension in March last year for his alleged links to BNKMaster, an online 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.
He has been sidelined since August 2024 when a royal command was issued to remove him from the force, on the recommendation of the Police Commission.
