'Big Joke' Dismissed by Police Panel Over Gambling Allegations

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Siam Rath

 

In a decisive move, the police disciplinary committee has voted to dismiss Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakphan, famously known as 'Big Joke', in connection with allegations linking him to online gambling operations.

 

Surachate, who previously held the position of deputy national police chief, faces accusations tied to his alleged involvement with gambling websites, a serious charge within the Thai law enforcement community.

 

The decision, reached unanimously during a meeting chaired by acting Pol. Gen. Kraiboon Suadsong, acting in place of Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelabut, now awaits the National Police Chief, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panphet, to ratify the dismissal.

 

This action, dictated by the National Police Act 2022, involves revoking Surachate's position without the benefits of a bonus or pension, marking a severe penalty for those in breach of their duties.

 

Surachate's dismissal follows serious disciplinary charges which, under the stipulations of the National Police Act, provide options of either layoff or outright dismissal. Although the committee has decided on the latter, the process includes recommendation submission to the National Police Chief for final approval.

 

Despite this development, Surachate holds the right to appeal the disciplinary action. He may first take his case to the Police Ethics Protection Committee. Should the committee maintain the punishment, his last recourse lies with the Supreme Administrative Court, whose ruling will ultimately be binding.

 

The allegations stem from Surachate's alleged connections with the Minnie online gambling network. The case took an interesting turn as the National Anti-Corruption Commission assumed control of the investigation, bypassing the usual police routes via the Anti-Corruption Division.

Moreover, additional accusations have emerged from Tao Poon police station regarding his suspected involvement in the BNK Master online gambling network, further complicating his situation.

 

While the implications of these cases are still unfolding, the controversy surrounding 'Big Joke' has captivated public attention, highlighting the Thai police force's internal challenges in addressing corruption.

 

With the case reaching an administrative pinnacle, both the force and public await further developments, anticipating a detailed inquiry by the National Anti-Corruption Commission alongside any forthcoming appeals by Surachate.

 

As this situation plays out in the public arena, it underscores the broader narrative of accountability and transparency within police ranks, with the outcome holding potential ramifications for law enforcement integrity in Thailand, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

-- 2025-03-08

 

 

[JoePai]

Thai TV could make a soap out of this

[Artisi]

Don't write Big Joke off just yet, stayed tuned. 

[1duckyboy]

So he has been found guilty of nothing yet is dismissed without a pension. He must have really pissed someone off.

[jippytum]

Big Joke tried exposing a bigger crook than himself.

He  paid journalists 10'000 baht to write favourable stories about his exploits. Perhaps his ego contributed to his downfall. 

One down hundreds  ln brown still raking it in. 

[connda]

Those in power have been gunning for Big Joke for years. 

"Over the target?  🎯 You get flack."

Is he clean?  He's a Thai with power.  🤔

[Faranginthai]

Dismissal is ok...just stay out of prison...look what happened to compadre  'Joe Ferrari'

[Snackbar]

More to come

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, 1duckyboy said:

So he has been found guilty of nothing yet is dismissed without a pension. He must have really pissed someone off.

Indeed

[klauskunkel]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

within the Thai law enforcement community

for law enforcement integrity in Thailand

accountability and transparency within police ranks

Thai law enforcement, a wannabe community with self-proclaimed integrity, whose accountability and transparency is rank from within

[Sydebolle]

There is most likely much, much more to this story than the media leaks ...... I guess we have not heard any famous last words on the soap saga! 

[Rimmer]

An incomprehensible / off topic has been removed