The ever growing media presence and online savvy of Big Joke - new immigration chief

by Thaivisa special correspondent

 

Photo Thai Immigration Bureau

 

Maj-Gen Surachate Hakparn - the darling of the media and many in the Thai public - is not just featuring in many news stories about busting criminals and ending immigration tea money this week. 

 

His online presence is widespread and marks a watershed in bringing the Royal Thai Police increasingly into the social media landscape where many of his compatriots - and expats and tourists - spend much of their time.

 

On Monday the Maj-Gen - famous nationwide and even in the foreign and tourist community for his catchy Big Joke nickname - took over as the commissioner at the Immigration Bureau on Monday. 

 

Previously his extensive work as deputy at the Tourist Police Bureau was all featured on a well maintained website even if the header had the spelling mistake "Bereau".

 

Since taking over at immigration on October 1st, this Monday, a newly launched Facebook presence is being maintained at:

https://www.facebook.com/IMMIGRATION1178/

 

 

This contains the hotline number that is now 1178.

 

It features all the activities of the Maj-Gen and even contains English in some of the articles. Interestingly, and perhaps symbolic of a new broom sweeping though the organisation, the word "Bureau" in the header is now correct.

 

Statements in English clearly articulate the Immigration Bureau's job to "handle very important tasks regarding border protection and homeland security".

 

In another section in correct English - in itself unusual for an official Thai government site - an attempt is made to state the duties of immigration police saying that officers "service foreigners during their stay in the Kingdom of Thailand".

 

Many people who live, work or just visit the kingdom will hope that such epithets will mean an improvement in the service offered to people on the ground. 

 

In another post in Thai he shares a story that says in Thai: Rak Big Joke - Rak Prathet Thai - Love Big Joke Love Thailand.

 

Much of the above underpins a media savvy that has not been seen before. Some are fed up with seeing the name "Big Joke" in the media but there is no let up.

 

Quite the opposite if this week is anything to go by. 

 

There is evidence that Big Joke has a team surrounding him that has moved over from the TPB. Indeed, a hierarchical structure of the top posts at Immigration on the new Facebook page contains several faces of high ranking officers previously pictured with the Maj-Gen at the TPB and in their activities.

 

In this regard it is like coaches and backroom staff who move around with English Premier League football managers. There is a figurehead but a strong "backroom team".

 

Surachate is the main man when it comes to the press and statements but there is a strong team behind him of both investigators and media smart individuals.  

 

He even has his own well-maintained Facebook page under the name Surachate Hakparn. 

 

This still contains a header saying that he is deputy at the TPB but there are many recent posts from this week's activities.

 

Interestingly a request to speak to the Maj-Gen on Messenger came with an automated response in Thai that said that things are busy right now but he promises to get right back to you.

 

Such a thing is revolutionary in the world of Thai government sites. 

 

If he does respond, or one of his underlings replies that will mark a big change in access to such people in Thailand. 

 

 

There is also a refreshed immigration website:

https://www.immigration.go.th/index

 

For now expect no let up in the stories of Big Joke's crime busting and other immigration activities. 

 

The "No Tip" signage going up around Thailand may just be an indication that finally a senior policeman intends to pay more than lip service to one of the ingrained activities that bedevils not just the police but Thailand as a whole.

 

Corruption. 

 

Whether the Big Joke can make inroads in this remains to be seen. But many will be asking if not him, who else?

 

Many online critics of Big Joke state that he is just a media hungry individual who will get his comeuppance if and when he steps on too many important toes. 

 

Others were unhappy with his handling of the investigation into the alleged Koh Tao rape case of a young English woman. Still further detractors suggest he has really achieved nothing yet except cosmetics at the behest of his junta "controllers".

 

Media watchers will be keeping a close eye on Big Joke eyeing his every move especially since the high profile move to Immigration which was seen as a key promotion.

 

And they will be hoping that the hype results in real and sustained progress for the Kingdom of Thailand.  

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2018-10-05

26 minutes ago, webfact said:

Still further detractors suggest he has really achieved nothing yet except cosmetics at the behest of his junta "controllers".

I think that comment pretty much hits the nail on the head. Lots of singing and dancing about him in the media.

Too early to really judge, but I strongly suspect, behind the song and dance, not much will truly change long term.

33 minutes ago, webfact said:

Since taking over at immigration on October 1st, this Monday, a newly launched Facebook presence is being maintained at:

https://www.facebook.com/IMMIGRATION1178/

This contains the hotline number that is now 1178.

I don't know why it says, "that is now 1178", giving the impression it is new, or has changed.

That number has been in use for years.

 

<sarcasm>I love the extensive use of english language on the FB page..</sarcasm>

 

As usual, hopeless..

 

Edited October 5, 20187 yr by kotsak

If they are internet savvy as they say, they will soon discover what we really think of BJ. 

 

555

5th story i have read today about him,give it a rest please.

A lot of hype, talk.  Government is a worry in Thailand, so it gets lots media attention.  He is cashing in on that, and the general weariness and wariness the junta has for foreigners.  

He is just trying use media to distract from his failures. The public not easily fooled by all these distractions. 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Rak Big Joke - Rak Prathet Thai - Love Big Joke Love Thailand

... and if you don't rak the big joke, then you don't rak prathet Thai... 

I certainly hope this guy has the blessing of the Police Commissioner & the full support of the PM as without

his days are numbered. 

We should see a glut of repossessed vehicles about January next year & if a further

promotion back to mainstream Police with a guarantee of no "facilitation fees " Well ?

I say give him a chance. He is being attacked due to his Stella rise to fame and its known as the tall poppy syndrome

You can't undo 50 years of Finley crafted corruption in a few months. I say give him a year to produce some tangible results

Let's see how effective he is after the election

I smell a new set of immigation police orders in the air. Along with acrid burning rubber.

"Many online critics of Big Joke state that he is just a media hungry individual who will get his comeuppance if and when he steps on too many important toes. "

 

Nuff said.

Ok

Edited October 5, 20187 yr by Raymonddiaz

5 minutes ago, Thailand said:

"Many online critics of Big Joke state that he is just a media hungry individual who will get his comeuppance if and when he steps on too many important toes. "

 

Nuff said.

I believe he is a lakey of thoses who have the important toes, he won't step on them they are his sponsors.

6 hours ago, yellowboat said:

A lot of hype, talk.  Government is a worry in Thailand, so it gets lots media attention.  He is cashing in on that, and the general weariness and wariness the junta has for foreigners.  

Those damn pesky foreigners.

Always challenging and questioning. 

 

Can't have any of that. 

 

????

11 hours ago, darksidedog said:

I think that comment pretty much hits the nail on the head. Lots of singing and dancing about him in the media.

Too early to really judge, but I strongly suspect, behind the song and dance, not much will truly change long term.

Its all propaganda, I expect him to quietly go if elections ever happen

8 hours ago, Oziex1 said:

If they are internet savvy as they say, they will soon discover what we really think of BJ. 

 

555

The Thais have some good jokes about him too! most do not believe the BS and know he is just Prawits 'Yes man'