Big Joke Gold Bribe Case Triggers Supreme Court Probe

The President of the Supreme Court has appointed a nine-member independent inquiry panel to investigate allegations that Ekawit Watcharawaluk, a commissioner of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), accepted 246 baht-weight of gold as a bribe linked to a high-profile online gambling case. The appointment was announced on 26 February under constitutional and organic law provisions governing criminal proceedings against political office holders. The move formally initiates a fact-finding process into alleged misconduct.

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The development follows a petition submitted by Pol Col Pakphoom Pitsamai, a former close aide to Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, widely known as “Big Joke”, a former Deputy National Police Chief. Pol Col Pakphoom lodged a letter with the President of Parliament seeking action through the Supreme Court against Mr Ekawit. The complaint alleges that the NACC commissioner received 246 baht-weight of gold to assist Pol Gen Surachate in a case involving online gambling networks.

Subsequently, the Supreme Court issued an announcement appointing an “independent inquiry panel” under Section 82 and Section 236 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, together with Sections 49 and 50 of the Organic Act on Criminal Procedure for Persons Holding Political Positions B.E. 2560 (2017). These provisions empower the President of the Supreme Court to establish a panel of no fewer than seven members to investigate allegations that an NACC commissioner engaged in corruption, intentionally performed duties contrary to the Constitution or law, or seriously breached ethical standards.

The President of the Senate, acting as President of Parliament, formally notified the President of the Supreme Court that there were reasonable grounds to suspect Mr Ekawit of misconduct as alleged. This notification triggered the appointment of the independent panel.

The nine appointed members are: Chawalit Isaradej; Phedim Petchkul; Athikom Intookti; Sakorn Tangwanwiboon; Adisorn Chaikup; Sanchai Chanphong; Professor Paitchit Eakchariyakorn; Professor Sakda Thanithakul; and Professor Wicha Mahakhun. The panel is tasked with examining the facts and providing an opinion on the allegations.

Matichon reported that the inquiry panel will now conduct its investigation in accordance with the relevant constitutional and statutory framework. Its findings and opinion will determine whether further legal proceedings are warranted under the law governing political office holders.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court has appointed a nine-member independent panel to investigate bribery allegations against NACC commissioner Ekawit Watcharawaluk.

• The complaint alleges receipt of 246 baht-weight of gold to assist Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn in an online gambling case.

• The inquiry is conducted under constitutional and organic law provisions relating to misconduct by political office holders.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 28 Feb 2026