National —
At 11:00 AM, on June 20th, Mr. Wissanu Krea-ngam, the Advisor to the Thai Prime Minister, announced the results of the investigation following the conflicts between Pol. Gen. Torsak Sukvimol, the Police Chief, and Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakparn, the Deputy Police Chief, often known by his playful nickname Big Joke.
The investigative committee, chaired by Mr. Chatchai Phromlert with two other members, interviewed over 50 witnesses, including both Pol. Gen. Torsak and Pol. Gen. Surachet.
The key findings are as follows:
- The investigation confirmed widespread conflicts within the Royal Thai Police, involving all levels, leading to legal cases and complaints within the agency.
- The issues centered around Pol. Gen. Torsak and Pol. Gen. Surachet, including high-profile cases such as the online gambling network, the Minnie case, and other related cases.
- The findings will be forwarded to relevant agencies for action, including Justice Departments, police, prosecutors, and courts.
- Certain cases have already been handed over to independent agencies: the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and others.
Pol. Gen. Surachet was reinstated inactively on April 18th, 2024, following an administrative order on March 20th, 2024, which initially placed him under investigation and suspended him. The order reinstated Pol. Gen. Torsak to his original position as the Police Chief, as the investigation found no further grounds for inquiry, remarked Wissanu.
Wissanu highlighted that the investigation revealed complexities and confusion among various agencies, causing delays in determining the jurisdiction of cases. He suggested the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Council of State clarify jurisdictional boundaries to prevent future issues.
The Prime Minister has acknowledged these findings and instructed relevant agencies to proceed accordingly, including reinstating Pol. Gen. Torsak to his original position. Further disciplinary actions will be managed by the Commissioner General and involved officials, said Wissanu.
Regarding Pol. Gen. Surachet’s disciplinary investigation, Wissanu noted that an initial order to suspend him was based on Section 132 of the National Police Act, but the new Act requires consultation with the investigation committee before suspension. The Council of State unanimously found the initial suspension improper, requiring correction, stated Wissanu.
Therefore, the Prime Minister’s decision to reinstate Pol. Gen. Surachet and then suspend him is deemed unusual, and the Council of State advised awaiting the investigation committee’s results before taking further steps, according to Wissanu.
In conclusion, Wissanu affirmed that despite ongoing legal proceedings, the administrative work must proceed. He mentioned that Pol. Gen. Surachet remains eligible for promotion to Police Chief if cleared by the NACC. Police General Surachet is also asking for legal action against a member of the NACC for alleged corruption.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
