Top Cop Dethroned: Surachate Hakparn Loses Appeal Over Dismissal

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Disgraced Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn's petition challenging his dismissal has been rejected by Thailand's Supreme Administrative Court. This may bring Hakparn's illustrious yet controversy-riddled career, spanning more than thirty years in the police service, to an abrupt end.

 

The 54-year old officer, affectionately known as “Big Joke”, was the prime candidate to assume the position of the national police chief just last year. Despite being younger than his rivals, his climb to the rank of Deputy Police Chief first amongst them bolstered his candidacy. However, his association with an illegal online gambling network caused his downfall.

 

Hakparn refuted these allegations, contending they were part of a strategy to block his ascent to the top position. Subsequently, the Police Commission opted for the least senior candidate, Pol General Torsak Sukvimol, to occupy the role.

 

Born to humble beginnings in Songkhla Province, Hakparn graduated from the Royal Police Cadet Academy, enhancing his education with a master's in criminology and justice administration from Mahidol University and a doctorate in public administration from Eastern Asia University.

 

 

Over his career, Hakparn was promoted to various roles, including the head of the Tourist Police and the Police Cyber Taskforce, a position that catapulted him into national attention.

 

Despite enduring numerous allegations of bribery and malfeasance, Hakparn persisted, earning him promotions and recognition. Following a tumultuous return to the force in 2021, he reclaimed his reputation and was advanced to deputy national police chief.

 

However, a bitter internal feud with Torsak and his subsequent connection to the online gambling scandal dashed his aspirations for the national police chief's position. Although Torsak resumed his role post-scandal, Hakparn faces a legal battle against his dismissal. While the official verdict remains to be announced, the court’s ruling appears to represent the end of the line for Thailand’s once-rising star.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-11-18