Big Joke still laughing: Royal Thai Police delay investigation

[webfact]

 

Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, the Deputy National Police Chief, remains in his position as the Royal Thai Police (RTP) has yet to form a committee to investigate the allegations against him, according to the acting National Police Chief, Police General Kitrat Panphet.

 

“Strict procedures have to be followed.”

 

Two issues require consideration. Firstly, an investigation into the allegations against Big Joke, which reportedly involves money laundering associated with the online gambling site, BNK Master. Secondly, a disciplinary charge that necessitates a committee review.

Big Joke surrendered to the police to face charges on Tuesday evening, following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the Criminal Court. After being released on bail, he declared his innocence to the media.

At present, the 53 year old is serving in an inactive post, following orders from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who also sidelined National Police Chief Torsak Sukvimol. Both senior officers have been embroiled in a longstanding feud, with public accusations regarding their involvement in illegal gambling networks being exchanged.

 

Before suspending Big Joke, several processes need to be adhered to, stated Pol. Gen. Kitrat. He must first receive a case summary from Metropolitan Police investigators as well as Big Joke’s arrest file, which he claims to not have received yet.

 

Additionally, the Disciplinary Division of the Royal Thai Police needs to review the reports and summarise its findings for Pol. Gen. Kitrat’s consideration.

 

Should the Disciplinary Division find grounds for further proceedings, the acting national police chief will establish a panel to allow the accused an opportunity to prove his innocence, said Pol. Gen. Kitrat.

 

“During the committee’s investigation process, Pol. Gen. Surachate will neither be suspended nor dismissed.”

 

Pol. Gen. Kitrat added such a process will be initiated if the committee discovers grounds for it.

 

“As of now, Pol. Gen. Surachate is permitted to perform his duties as usual.”

 

He also pointed out that regulations mandate the police panel to conclude its investigation within 60 days. This time limit can be extended upon request, reported Bangkok Post.

 

In the meantime, yesterday, lawyer and activist Sittra Biabungkerd provided information regarding financial transactions connected to illegal businesses involving three police officers, including Pol. Gen. Torsak, to Move Forward Party leader Chaithawat Tulathon. The lawyer also shared this information with the Police Complaint Review Board.

 

by Mitch Connor

Picture courtesy of Thairath

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-04

 

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[Artisi]

All just a precursor leading up to his new position.

[sammieuk1]

Delay due to late kick off and extra time ..must be 🤔

[brianthainess]

      

[spidermike007]

The RTP does not exactly have a sterling record when it comes to investigating itself. These guys know that they're above the law and I don't expect the joke to be convicted, though I'm quite sure of his guilt.

 

When it comes to the RTP I think that it's always fair to say guilty by association, and guilty until proven innocent. 

[LudwigK]

How deeeeep is the corruption swamp??? 

Edited April 4 by metisdead
Oversize bold font reset to normal.

[John Drake]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

At present, the 53 year old is serving in an inactive post, following orders from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who also sidelined National Police Chief Torsak Sukvimol.

 

Prayuth was better.

[mfd101]

43 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

I'm quite sure of his guilt.

Wow! I think you'll find that the investigating people will want to talk to you about your information & its sources ...

[Mavideol]

in the photo,  he doesn't look being laughing, on the contrary he looks pissed off 555

[bamnutsak]

I still can't figure out why this internal fight, between Hapkarn and Sukvimol, over who gets the biggest slice of the take, has been allowed to bubble over into the public domain.

 

Normally a powerful arbiter would have brought both men in and settled things once and for all. Clearly, the PM isn't up to the task, and there may not be anyone powerful enough who wants to get involved.

 

The longer this goes on, especially if it doesn't result in charges, only further tarnishes the reputation of the RTP.  I think public respect for the police is polling at 15%.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Two issues require consideration. Firstly, an investigation into the allegations against Big Joke, which reportedly involves money laundering associated with the online gambling site, BNK Master. Secondly, a disciplinary charge that necessitates a committee review.

A 3rd consideration is if he is provoked he may open the lid an an even larger can of worms... that may be even more embarrassing.

[dinsdale]

1 hour ago, bamnutsak said:

I still can't figure out why this internal fight, between Hapkarn and Sukvimol, over who gets the biggest slice of the take, has been allowed to bubble over into the public domain.

 

Normally a powerful arbiter would have brought both men in and settled things once and for all. Clearly, the PM isn't up to the task, and there may not be anyone powerful enough who wants to get involved.

 

The longer this goes on, especially if it doesn't result in charges, only further tarnishes the reputation of the RTP.  I think public respect for the police is polling at 15%.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rather generous of you. Put a decimal point between the 1 and the 5 and that would be more like it IMO.

[Artisi]

2 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

I still can't figure out why this internal fight, between Hapkarn and Sukvimol, over who gets the biggest slice of the take, has been allowed to bubble over into the public domain.

 

Normally a powerful arbiter would have brought both men in and settled things once and for all. Clearly, the PM isn't up to the task, and there may not be anyone powerful enough who wants to get involved.

 

The longer this goes on, especially if it doesn't result in charges, only further tarnishes the reputation of the RTP.  I think public respect for the police is polling at 15%.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How much further can tarnished be tarnished?

[Artisi]

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

A 3rd consideration is if he is provoked he may open the lid an an even larger can of worms... that may be even more embarrassing.

He would certainly know where the bodies are hidden. 

[eisfeld]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

In the meantime, yesterday, lawyer and activist Sittra Biabungkerd provided information regarding financial transactions connected to illegal businesses involving three police officers, including Pol. Gen. Torsak, to Move Forward Party leader Chaithawat Tulathon

 

What? This whole story is getting weirder by the day. Why would the head of the police of Thailand send money to the Move Forward party leader?

[dinsdale]

He'll be retiring somewhere overseas with a nice little nest egg and a bunch of money to stay stum. Charges are brought and go through the mock justice system and that will be that. It's very interesting this one. I just hope the military and pollies have lot's of stuff on them bubble to the surface. Top cops are corrupt but the military top echelon are a grade above.

Edited April 4 by dinsdale

[worgeordie]

Nothing that a few committees and subcommittees  won't cover up.

 

regards worgeordie

[Artisi]

8 minutes ago, worgeordie said:

Nothing that a few committees and subcommittees  won't cover up.

 

regards worgeordie

by the time that was organised, the parties to be investigated will probably be well retired, out to pasture and out of harm's way.

[AustinRacing]

And the third one? A committee to investigate who was behind chasing big joke and why. 

[Gknrd]

I imagine he can retire at this point. If it gets serious he would probably forced to retire. Full benefits. 

[mikebell]

19 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

I think public respect for the police is polling at 15%.

In private that figure would be far lower.