Pol Gen Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn Withdraws Lawsuit Against PM After Alleged Plot to Block Police Chief Appointment

Pol Gen Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn, the former Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), has unexpectedly retracted his complaint against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, just a day after accusing him of malfeasance and interfering in the RTP. Big Joke had previously claimed that his dismissal from the RTP on April 18, approved by PM Srettha, was an attempt to prevent him from becoming the new RTP commander, as he was the top candidate for the position.

However, in a surprising development, Big Joke withdrew his charge against the prime minister on April 19, stating that he no longer suspected the PM's involvement in the police investigation against him. Instead, he has demanded that the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) investigate around 200 police investigators, including the current deputy commissioner general, Pol Gen Thana Chuwong, for alleged abuse of authority.

The controversy began in March when both Big Joke and RTP Commander Torsak "Big Tor" Sukvimol were transferred to the Office of the Prime Minister pending an investigation into their alleged involvement with an illegal gambling network. Big Joke was later transferred back to the Royal Thai Police and suspended from police service pending a disciplinary probe. It has been reported that his name plate has been removed from his office, and his name has been deleted from the list of deputy commissioners general on the police website.

Despite withdrawing his complaint against the prime minister, Big Joke maintains that he is fighting for justice and questions how the public can expect justice if a high-ranking officer like him is not afforded it. The NACC will continue to investigate the PM based on a previous complaint filed by the former RTP commander and the Thai Liberal Party leader, Sereepisuth Temeeyaves.

Why this matters: The ongoing controversy surrounding Pol Gen Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn and his allegations against high-ranking officials has raised concerns about corruption and abuse of power within the Royal Thai Police. The public's trust in the country's law enforcement is at stake, as the investigation unfolds and the truth behind these allegations is sought.

As the situation develops, the Thai public eagerly awaits the outcome of the NACC's investigation into both the prime minister and the police investigators accused by Big Joke. The former deputy commissioner's fight for justice has brought to light the need for transparency and accountability within the country's law enforcement agencies. In his own words, Big Joke questions, "How can the public expect justice if a high-ranking officer like me is not afforded it?"

Key Takeaways

• Pol Gen Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn withdraws complaint against PM Srettha Thavisin.
• Big Joke demands NACC investigate around 200 police investigators for alleged abuse of authority.
• Big Joke was previously suspended from police service pending a disciplinary probe.
• NACC to continue investigating PM Srettha based on a previous complaint by ex-RTP commander.
• Controversy raises concerns about corruption and abuse of power within the Royal Thai Police.