Former Deputy Commissioner-General of Police, Pol Gen Surachet Hakpal, has filed a lawsuit against ten police officers in Bangkok, accusing them of misconduct in the BNK Master gambling case. The case was submitted to the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases on 30 March 2026. Pol Gen Surachet claims the officers filed false complaints and acted to intimidate or punish him. Get today's headlines by email The case, numbered At.63/2569, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on 27 April 2026 at 09:30. Surachet authorised lawyer Sanyaphachara Samart to file the lawsuit, citing irregularities in how the officers handled complaints related to three suspects accused of online gambling and money laundering. He noted that the officers who received the complaints were not on duty at the time. On 26 July 2025, the police obtained arrest warrants for the three suspects, confiscated mobile phones, and allegedly referenced Surachet in their actions to subordinates. Later, on 22 September 2025, warrants were sought for eight police officers, with their ranks and positions withheld, which Surachet claims misled the court. Subsequent arrests on 25 September 2025 at the former deputy commissioner-general’s residence were widely reported, harming his reputation. Lawyer Sanyaphachara noted concerns over procedural errors, including the timing of reports and arrests, and argued the BNK Master case involved financial transactions worth 450 million baht. Thai law dictates cases exceeding 300 million baht fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Surachet contends that investigation delays and procedural missteps were used to block his promotion to Commissioner-General of Police. Daily News reported that Surachet emphasised that the case should proceed in court to ensure a fair review. He urged police officers to operate strictly within the law, warning that actions exceeding authority will have consequences. Picture courtesy of daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 31 Mar 2026
View full article
Create an account or sign in to comment