Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

THAILAND - The controversial bribery case involving Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, widely known as "Big Joke", has now been handed over to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Pol Maj Gen Jruykiat Pankaeo, the deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, affirmed on Wednesday that police are fully prepared to coordinate witness statements and additional evidence in a fair manner. The move aims to maintain transparency and prevent any interference in the sensitive case involving a senior police figure.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Jruykiat emphasised that the NACC is still awaiting instructions on whether to return the case for an additional investigation. The police have opened channels for individuals to come forward with information or evidence, pledging to gather and submit these to the NACC appropriately. This expedited action underscores attempts to handle the unprecedented case with utmost care and objectivity.

In reaction to developments, several close associates of the former police chief have begun to step forward, offering vital information. Pol Maj Gen Jruykiat stressed that these witnesses, who served Pol Gen Surachate for many years, are demonstrating significant bravery. He assured them they would receive fair treatment, whether they face charges, receive leniency, or are considered for witness protection.

Welcoming the NACC's choice to remove a commissioner implicated in the case from related investigations, Pol Maj Gen Jruykiat described it as a move that enhances public trust. He expressed confidence in the NACC, praising it as a crucial entity in anti-corruption efforts. The public's focus has also turned to Pol Gen Surachate's former aide, Pol Col Phakphum Phisamai, who has faced severe stress due to reputational impact but opted to cooperate fully with investigations, a choice applauded as courageous.

Next, witness testimonies will be rigorously evaluated alongside forensic and financial evidence to ascertain their credibility. The case remains a pivotal test of the NACC's ability to conduct an impartial and thorough investigation, reported the Bangkok Post.

Key Takeaways

• The NACC now manages the "Big Joke" bribery case.

• Police commit to transparent handling to prevent interference.

• The NACC evaluates witness testimonies using both forensic and financial evidence.

Related stories:

Big Joke Stands Firm: Thai Police Linked to Crime Networks

'Big Joke' Allegedly Tied to Gold Bribery: New Evidence

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-01-08

 

 

Even bigger joke is the "investigation" that has been going on since...since...whatever...Next!

On 1/8/2026 at 8:44 AM, Sigmund said:

Even bigger joke is the "investigation" that has been going on since...since...whatever...Next!

Yeah, political or other vendettas driving investigations or prosecutions. At least this isn't a job solely reserved for Thais!

The NACC usually goes after "has beens" with no power to retaliate. I don't expect to hear much from them on this one.

On 1/8/2026 at 7:38 AM, webfact said:

Pol Maj Gen Jruykiat expressed confidence in the NACC, praising it as a crucial entity in anti-corruption efforts.

There are just so many sarcastic comments in my head right now.

Taking their sweet time.

On 1/8/2026 at 7:38 AM, webfact said:

The NACC now manages the "Big Joke" bribery case.

For reference (Google)

Corruption within Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) itself has been a noted concern, with past issues including slow investigations, low conviction rates for powerful figures, and questions about internal transparency and ethics, even as the agency works to combat broader public sector corruption and strengthen its mandate with new laws and international cooperation to fight bribery and recover illicit assets. 

If you read the case of Paween Pongsirin, then this would be a similar case?

Big Joke as victim of corruption. Paween had to flee the country, threatened to be murdered.

It is Thailand, if high ranked persons are in danger, they act like criminals and try to get rit of you anyhow.

I never , ever heard about court cases of military when found out they had their own state within Thailand.

It is some years ago and showed military had hotels, malls, houses , land and many more.

All for the military to have some extra income. Prayuth was even guarded and was allowed to stay in "his"house.

I would have expected a real big event in court cases, but no, nothing , all is blown in the wind.

Paween Pongsirin had also many high ranked persons to be brought to court, but no, justice department let him down and he had to run. Many in government should have been be brought to court.

And sadly it happens everywhere in the world, not only Thailand.

Even "my "freaking country. A whistler showed government was robbed by construction companies for billions of euro's.

What did they do? They punished the whistler and further nothing, they cracked him all down.

Some fines were given, but way less then they had taken.

AND it can keeps on going, no actions what so ever about construction companies to prevent !

Now there is project, would cost 600 million, but it is already up to 3 billion euro!

40000 people were destroyed in an "allowance affaire" . Wicked scheme and had to be corrected.

Would cost 300 million, but, still running, will cost 15 billion !

Not to mention emotional damage to the people. As people went bankrupt,lost their kids, divorces , lost jobs.

My wonderful government. Some of them going to court for it? NO.

What they did do, was breaking down the guy who discovered it and made it public.

Now the final appeal has failed its over for Bj... time to run & probably if smart enough already has.. ill wager accounts will be locked pending investigation withing a week now.

Still going this case I wait for the end result and what will be said