The chief of the national police, Pol Gen Torsak Suvimol, announced on Monday that his deputy, Surachate Hakparn (also known as “Big Joke”) might face suspension amid an investigation into his alleged involvement with an online gambling network.
The case is expected to conclude before the chief’s retirement in September.
Pol Gen Torsak disclosed that Pol Gen Surachate has been summoned to report to the Tao Poon police station this Thursday regarding his alleged connections to the BNK Master gambling website network.
A formal notice was placed at the home of Pol Gen Surachate on Sunday. Should a second notice be ignored and Pol Gen Surachate fail to appear, an arrest warrant will be issued, and he will be suspended, according to Pol Gen Torsak.
The national police chief recognized Pol Gen Surachate’s claim that the National Anti-Corruption Commission had taken over the investigation of the Minnie online gambling network, in which Pol Gen Surachate was implicated.
Yet, Pol Gen Torsak noted that the summons for Pol Gen Surachate relates to a separate investigation into the BNK Master gambling network.
Pol Gen Surachate is suspected of money laundering in connection with both investigations, Pol Gen Torsak revealed.
The chief of police stated that the investigation involving Pol Gen Surachate should be finalized before his retirement at the end of September.
It was reported that Pol Gen Surachate is the leading candidate to succeed Pol Gen Torsak.
Pol Gen Torsak reassured that the actions taken against Pol Gen Surachate were based on factual evidence and witness testimonies, dismissing any notion of persecution.
Conversely, Pol Gen Surachate stated he had not reviewed the details of the notice at his residence due to his duties with cabinet ministers in the North.
He maintained his innocence but declined to comment on whether he had contacted Pol Gen Torsak regarding the accusations.
On Sunday, Pol Gen Surachate declared his intention to verify the legality of the summons issued to him.
