Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol has been reinstated as the national police chief after the conclusion of an investigation into a highly publicized conflict, according to Wissanu Krea-ngam, an advisor to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
On Thursday, Mr. Wissanu disclosed the results of the investigation initiated by a fact-finding committee established by the prime minister and chaired by Chatchai Promlert. This committee was tasked with examining the conflict between Pol Gen Torsak and his deputy, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn.
The four-month investigation confirmed that conflicts and disorder were present at all levels within the Royal Thai Police. However, it remains unclear whether these issues originated from a single cause or multiple sources, Mr. Wissanu stated.
The findings showed that both Pol Gen Torsak and Pol Gen Surachate were involved, with each having team members contributing to the conflicts.
The investigation focused on four major cases:
- A 140-million-baht extortion case involving a gambling suspect named ‘Pae’ and a police commander.
- The shooting of a highway police officer in Nakhon Pathom involving an influential figure, Praween Chankhlai, also known as Kamnan Nok.
- The Minnie online gambling network, allegedly operated by single mother Suchanun Suchaitchinsri, alias Minnie.
- The BNK Master gambling network. Additionally, 10 other cases were filed with police stations and the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 7.
Some conflicts were recent, while others dated back 10 years, Mr. Wissanu noted.
All cases have been forwarded to relevant agencies, including the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), prosecutors, and courts.
Mr. Wissanu mentioned that Pol Gen Surachate was reinstated as deputy national police chief on April 18 after being transferred to the Prime Minister’s Office on March 20. A disciplinary committee had been set up to investigate Pol Gen Surachate, leading to his temporary suspension from the police force.
With no further issues to investigate regarding Pol Gen Torsak, it was decided to reinstate him. He is scheduled to retire on September 30.
On March 20, Mr. Srettha abruptly transferred both senior police officials to the Prime Minister’s Office to address the growing rift within the police force.
Deputy national police chief Kitrat Panphet was then appointed as the acting police chief.
There have been reports suggesting that Pol Gen Surachate could face charges of money laundering related to online gambling networks.
