Thai prosecutors have postponed a decision on whether to indict former Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, widely known as “Big Joke”, in the 246-baht-weight gold bribery case until September while seeking additional information.
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The postponement was announced on 13 July at the Office of the Attorney General’s Anti-Corruption Office on Ratchadaphisek Road. Prosecutors are considering an investigation file submitted by investigators from the Anti-Corruption Division recommending charges against Pol Gen Surachate and three other suspects.
The case alleges offences relating to jointly providing property or other benefits to a judicial official or prosecutor to induce improper action under Section 167 of the Criminal Code, as well as misconduct in office under Section 157. The other suspects are Sombat Thoratham, Sorapong Wongsuwan and Surasit Phaekerd, in connection with the alleged 246-baht-weight gold bribery case.
Pol Gen Surachate arrived at the prosecutor’s office at about 10.50am to report as required. After signing documents, he left without speaking to reporters, leaving his lawyer to address the media.
His lawyer, Sanyaphat Samart, said prosecutors had rescheduled the hearing for 18 September at 10.00am. He explained that prosecutors were conducting further enquiries and were awaiting documentation relating to the findings of an independent inquiry panel before deciding whether to proceed with the case.
The lawyer said the delay would not affect the separate investigation being handled by the independent inquiry panel because the two matters are distinct. He added that he believed both processes were moving in the same direction.
Daily News reported that all suspects attended the prosecutor’s office as required to report on the scheduled date. Prosecutors will review the additional material before issuing a final decision on whether to bring charges.
Picture courtesy of Daily News
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14 July 2026
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