Picture: Naew Na

The most controversial and recognizable policeman in Thailand is back at the RTP.

Lt-Gen Surachate Hakpan - known by his moniker of Big Joke - has been named in an advisory position that ranks him alongside an assistant police commissioner. 

He will be in charge of strategies associated with developing police reform. 

The one time assistant chief of the tourist police was sacked from his job as head of the Immigration Bureau in April 2019 and reduced to paper shuffling at the prime minister's office for the next two years.

Now following the creation of the new post Surachate finds himself back in the fold, as reported by Naew Na yesterday.

Mystery still surrounds whether he is still under investigation or not. 

Last week PM Prayuth Chan-ocha denied that the post was specifically created for the rehabilitation of Surachate but speculation was rife in the Thai press that it had been and his reinstatement was imminent.

The reinstatement to the new position at least was confirmed yesterday by the PM following a meeting of the Police Commission to decide on dozens of high ranking positions that will commence next month. 

The Lt-Gen's fall from grace came after he criticized the IB's 2 billion baht biometrics project and began a drive to stop tips at IB offices. 

His high profile meant some IB offices - notably Chiang Mai - were transformed into customer friendly havens almost overnight.

Critics pointed to there being no smoke without fire in an effort to discredit the Lt-Gen. 

Little was heard from him while he was in the wilderness until his Lexus was shot at while he was in a spa in the Suriwong area of Bangkok.

Who was responsible or behind the attack was never ascertained, neither was the reason for Big Joke's removal from the IB in 2019.

All seemed set fair for a continuing meteoric rise for Big Joke at the time as his media savvy and close knit team gained much attention from the press and public. 

Like him or love him Big Joke is set to continue to grab the headlines especially in a position where there will be much public debate - police reform. 

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2021-03-18

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

now we are going to see  some action!

go Big Joke. 

Clearly BIG Joke knows too much of the goings on in high places, so a position has been created just for him, basically to keep him sweet, and his mouth shut.

2 minutes ago, webfact said:

He will be in charge of strategies associated with developing police reform. 

5 minutes ago, webfact said:

was sacked from his job as head of the Immigration Bureau in April 2019

maybe he can reform the mess that is called immigration

Quote

He will be in charge of strategies associated with developing police reform.

Sound like an inactive post with a posh title and pay grade.

 

And the drama continues... Thai style. 

25 minutes ago, YetAnother said:

maybe he can reform the mess that is called immigration

The impossible we can do, miracles may take a bit longer.

BIg Joke to return on April Fools day, well that says it all.......

52 minutes ago, colinneil said:

Clearly BIG Joke knows too much of the goings on in high places, so a position has been created just for him, basically to keep him sweet, and his mouth shut.

Think you night be spot on I seen that happen with a paper shuffler youth in Local Government he kept a diary on everyone he could then open up and became a Manager surprise surprise 

What a joke!

he was named as an elephant ticket buyer, he is part of corruption scandal, and he is also untouchable, very close to the head of mafia

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3122506/thailand-elephant-ticket-trends-twitter-amid-talk-police 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

and began a drive to stop tips at IB offices

Bit like asking the devout not to pray that is .. 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

smoke without fire

 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

his Lexus was shot at while he was in a spa in the Suriwong area of Bangkok.

Sounds like lyrics from a rap song .. 

2 hours ago, Thaiwrath said:

A pratical suggestion, but if Big Joke says the obvious he'll be in the wilderness again.

That's good news, he is one of the few Thai officials I trust. 

"Police reform" wins oxymoron of the year award so far. If he accomplishes anything of note I promise to go to Erawan Shrine and make a donation.

Its a dark day for the dart and bridge players.

Welcome back, Big J,

You've been truly missed, Sir! 

Regards

( Blank ) 

 

Big Joke has probably already started going over those TVF topics and threads where people celebrated his ouster back in 2019. Just like Santa Claus he's making a list and checking it twice gonna find out who's naughty or nice.

i have ordered back up supply of pop corn in anticipation of how this unfolds

56 minutes ago, Enzian said:

"Police reform" wins oxymoron of the year award so far. If he accomplishes anything of note I promise to go to Erawan Shrine and make a donation.

he got you to post, does that count?

4 hours ago, YetAnother said:

maybe he can reform the mess that is called immigration

Maybe he stepped on too many toes and was threatening all the kickbacks.

36 minutes ago, wombat said:

he got you to post, does that count?

The question really is, do I count? And the answer is, in this country, no.

5 hours ago, webfact said:

He will be in charge of strategies associated with developing police reform. 

translation: He will design the new police uniforms

wondering if he will drop this now:

He has sued the PM Prauth Chan-ocha for wrongful transfer

 

"Police Reform " ?

Did he not try once to "stop the tipping" at Immigration ?

Unfortunately he will be back in an inactive role by New Year if he even tries to stop gratuities

6 hours ago, colinneil said:

Clearly BIG Joke knows too much of the goings on in high places, so a position has been created just for him, basically to keep him sweet, and his mouth shut.

Sorry to say Colin, but I don't agree with you. There is more to this manoeuvring of Big Joke than meets the eye. 

This has made me make up my mind and return to Thailand, going through quarantine and all. I will finally get my selfie with Big Joke! 

6 hours ago, Thaiwrath said:

...and burn all brown envelopes...

6 hours ago, NCC1701A said:

now we are going to see  some action!

go Big Joke. 

And not before time, maybe a few pay-backs on the agenda. 

Of course he might have been brought back owing to the fact that the " bosses" don't have the gonads or owe too many favours to step-on-toes whereas he does.