Thai police reveal "gold bribery" evidence against high-ranking general
BANGKOK, Jan 6 (TNA) - Thai police investigators on Tuesday released video and audio evidence allegedly linking high-profile Police General Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn to a bribery scandal involving the delivery of gold bars to a national anti-corruption official.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Phiwpan, Deputy Inspector General, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, presented a detailed timeline of the alleged graft. Investigators claim a subordinate of Surachate delivered 246-baht weight of gold bars (approximately 3.7 kilograms) to influence a member of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
The evidence included a video clip purportedly showing Pol. Col. Phakphum Phitsamai, a close aide to Surachate, handing over the gold to a driver of a black Toyota Alphard—an official vehicle assigned to an NACC commissioner—at a parking lot in Bangkok. Investigators stated that the commissioner was present inside the vehicle during the exchange.
"We have clear evidence of the bribery, including receipts for the gold purchase, footage of the delivery, and confirmation that the official vehicle was at the scene," Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong told reporters.
The bribery was allegedly intended to secure favorable treatment for Surachate in ongoing investigations related to illegal online gambling networks. Audio recordings also captured conversations mentioning the weight of the gold and referring to "Joke" while discussing lobbying efforts.
Pol. Col. Phakphum, who provided the recordings to investigators, did so as part of the legal process and not in exchange for any professional favors, police added.
Surachate, formerly a prominent face of the Royal Thai Police often tasked with high-profile cases involving foreigners, has previously denied all allegations of misconduct related to gambling websites.
Surachate has been suspended from duty since April 18, 2024, over alleged links to illegal gambling networks. The Supreme Administrative Court is set to rule on Jan 9, 2026, on whether his removal was lawful. A favorable verdict could see him reinstated as Deputy Police Chief with a chance to contend for the top post, while an unfavorable ruling would likely end his police career.
