Any hopes Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn had of becoming national police chief this year have been dashed following his official dismissal from the force, as announced in the Royal Gazette.
The high-profile officer, known as “Big Joke,” was removed from his position due to a pending investigation into a serious breach of discipline. The dismissal, which is retroactive to April 18, was detailed in the Royal Gazette announcement and countersigned by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
The announcement confirmed that a royal command, issued under Sections 140 and 179 of the Royal Thai Police Act BE 2565 and Police Commission regulations, was the basis for the dismissal. As a result, Pol Gen Surachate is now disqualified from being considered for the role of national police chief. The current chief, Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, is set to retire on September 30.
The dismissal of Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, known as “Big Joke,” has become official following a Royal Gazette announcement. The dismissal stems from allegations of his involvement in an online gambling network, with investigations still ongoing. The Police Commission affirmed the dismissal order with a unanimous vote of 12-0 in June.
Pol Gen Surachate appealed the decision to the Police Officers’ Merit System Protection Commission. On August 5, the commission upheld the dismissal as appropriate and legitimate. Pol Gen Surachate has now filed a complaint with the Supreme Court, the last recourse available to him. If the court rules in his favor, the dismissal could be revoked, potentially leading to his reinstatement as deputy national police chief, according to Pol Gen Ek Aungsananon, a Police Commission member. The timeline for the Supreme Court’s review of the case remains uncertain.
Pol Gen Surachate has consistently claimed that the allegations against him are part of a campaign to undermine his candidacy for the national police chief position. He asserts that the accusations of criminal activity are politically motivated.
The tension between factions loyal to Pol Gen Surachate and Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, the current chief, has been escalating. The conflict became particularly pronounced after Pol Gen Torsak was appointed chief despite having less seniority. Pol Gen Torsak is the brother of ACM Satitpong Sukvimol, the Lord Chamberlain and head of the Crown Property Bureau. The dispute led then-Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to place both generals in inactive roles in March while an investigation was conducted.
The investigation found that factional conflicts had long been present within the force but deemed that investigations into alleged wrongdoing should be handled by other bodies. It recommended the reinstatement of Pol Gen Torsak and criticized Pol Gen Surachate’s dismissal as “unfair.” Despite this, the Police Commission proceeded with the dismissal.
Pol Gen Surachate, born in 1970 in Songkhla, was once seen as a rising star in the police force. Known for his high-profile involvement in cases ranging from immigration violations to illegal motorcycle racing and computer crime, he rose through the ranks swiftly. He was notably targeted in 2020 when a gunman fired eight shots into his parked Lexus during a meeting in Bang Rak district, Bangkok—a case that remains unresolved.
Currently, three candidates are being considered for the position of national police chief: Kitrat Phanphet and Thana Chuwong, both deputy chiefs, and Kraiboon Suadsong, an inspector-general.
