Picture: Daily News

 

Daily News reported that it was all smiles yesterday when controversial top cop Lt-Gen Surachate Hakpan arrived at Royal Thai Police HQ to inspect his new offices. 

 

At 2.30 pm he went with others to the 9th floor in Pathumwan before he presented himself to the RTP chief General Suwat Chaengyodsuk.

 

Our picture shows Suwat on the left and Surachate wearing a tie on the right. 

 

Surachate only spoke to the press briefly before his meeting with Suwat saying that he needed to speak to the chief to hear about his responsibilities. 

 

Suwat said that Surachate would be working under RTP deputy commander Gen Piya Uthayo and assistant Lt-Gen Kraibun Suatsong. 

 

Thaivisa notes that the picture published by Daily News looks more like trepidation on the face of the cop known universally as Big Joke. 

 

As well it might be - the advisory position he has taken up has been reported earlier as one looking into the hottest of hot chestnuts.

 

Police reform. 

 

The return of Big Joke to the RTP fold follows his dramatic removal from the chief of the Immigration Bureau two years ago and his transfer to paper shuffling at the PM's office.

 

This appointment was cancelled by Royal Consent at the weekend creating the path back to the RTP for Surachate whose face and recent history is far more known to the Thai public than any other serving policeman. 

 

He is also well known among foreigners in Thailand.

 

During his time at the IB and also as deputy at the Tourist Police he was responsible for high profile busts sometimes jetting off around the globe with his media team. 

 

Last year his Lexus was shot up while he was in a massage shop in the Suriwong area of Bangkok, a crime that was never solved.

 

The reasons for his removal from the IB were never explained. 

 

Some pointed to the fact that he had been critical of the roll out of the two million baht biometrics system as playing a part. 

 

He was also well known for stopping tips at immigration offices though reports suggest that some of his apparent good work has lapsed during his time away from the force. 

 

Now the media will be keeping a close watch on the Lt-Gen's every move in his new position.

 

One thing is for sure - Big Joke will be in the news and his every move will be followed by the Thai press. 

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2021-03-31

 

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13 minutes ago, webfact said:

He was also well known for stopping tips at immigration offices though reports suggest that some of his apparent good work has lapsed during his time away from the force. 

 

That didn't take long ????

Think they got the decimal point wrong. From the previous smart cars post: Utilizing the 2 billion baht biometrics system it was discovered that the suspect had entered Thailand on March 6th last year. 

Only an "advisory" position... he's been shackled.

I've got a tip for you Big J, Oh sorry I can't tell you, what it is.

I think they prefer tepid asians