Police Dismiss Pol Gen Surachate ‘Big Joke’ Hakparn Over Gambling Allegations
A police disciplinary committee unanimously ruled on Friday to dismiss Pol Gen Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, former deputy police chief, over his alleged ties to an online gambling network. The decision, which also strips him of his pension, awaits final approval from national police chief Pol Gen Kittharat Punpetch.
End of a High-Profile Career
Pol Gen Surachate’s dismissal marks a dramatic fall from grace for the once-prominent police officer, who had been sidelined since August last year following a royal command for his removal, based on the Police Commission’s recommendation. His appeal to the Supreme Administrative Court was rejected in December, affirming the legality of his removal.
Local media reports indicate that Surachate was unaware of the committee’s latest decision. He has stated that he intends to review the report before deciding whether to appeal.
The disciplinary panel was chaired by deputy national police chief Pol Gen Kraibun Thuadsong and included all other deputy chiefs, except for Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneela, an inspector-general, who was absent.
Allegations and Internal Power Struggle
Pol Gen Surachate has been embroiled in controversy over allegations that he and four subordinates laundered money for the BNK Master gambling network. He has repeatedly denied the accusations, claiming they were fabricated by rivals within the police force to block his path to the top position.
Tensions within the force escalated in late 2023 when Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol was appointed national police chief, despite being the least senior candidate. The rivalry between factions loyal to Surachate and Torsak created such disruption that then-Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin moved both officers to inactive posts in March 2024, pending an investigation.
The investigation report acknowledged ongoing factional conflicts within the police force but left decisions regarding alleged wrongdoing to other legal bodies. While it recommended Pol Gen Torsak’s reinstatement, it also noted that Surachate had been “unfairly dismissed from duty pending investigation.” Despite this, the Police Commission proceeded with his dismissal.
A Controversial Career
Once seen as a rising star in law enforcement, Pol Gen Surachate built a reputation for his hands-on approach to high-profile cases, from immigration violations to cybercrime.
Born in 1970 in Songkhla to a police family, he rapidly climbed the ranks, leading the 191 task force and later heading the Tourist Police and Immigration Bureau. In 2020, he was the apparent target of an attack when gunmen fired seven shots into his Lexus in Bangkok. The case remains unsolved.
Surachate was also linked to a scandal over the procurement of a costly biometric screening system for the Immigration Bureau, which was later deemed non-functional. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) had reportedly planned to file charges against former national police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda and three other officers over the procurement, but no progress has been reported since July 2023.
With his dismissal now pending final approval, Pol Gen Surachate’s once-promising career in law enforcement appears to be coming to an end.
