Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, also known as “Big Joke,” has recently faced a significant downfall as his hopes of becoming the national police chief have been dashed with his official dismissal from the force. The Royal Gazette announcement, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, cited a pending investigation of a serious breach of discipline as the reason for his removal from the position. With the order being retroactive to April 18, Pol Gen Surachate’s dismissal disqualifies him from being considered a candidate for the top police chief position, which will soon be vacant as the current chief, Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, is set to retire on Sept 30.
The dismissal of Pol Gen Surachate stems from allegations of his involvement in an online gambling network, which is still under investigation. The Police Commission, voting 12:0 in June, affirmed the dismissal order against him. Despite filing an appeal with the Police Officers’ Merit System Protection Commission, the order was deemed appropriate and legitimate on August 5. However, Pol Gen Surachate has not given up the fight and has filed a complaint against the order with the Supreme Court, hoping for a favorable ruling that would lead to the revocation of the dismissal order and his potential reinstatement as deputy national police chief.
The ongoing conflict between factions loyal to Pol Gen Surachate and Pol Gen Torsak has been a long-standing issue within the police force. The feud between the two escalated last year when Pol Gen Torsak was chosen as chief despite having less seniority than other candidates. The decision sparked further tension between the factions, leading to their temporary removal from active duty pending an investigation. Despite the investigation report recommending the reinstatement of Pol Gen Torsak and acknowledging the unfair dismissal of Pol Gen Surachate, the Police Commission proceeded with the dismissal order, further exacerbating the situation.
Pol Gen Surachate’s career trajectory within the police force has been quite remarkable. Rising through the ranks quickly, he commanded a local station before heading the 191 task force in Bangkok. His tenure at the Immigration Bureau in 2018 and subsequent promotion to deputy chief showcased his dedication and commitment to law enforcement. However, his career was not without challenges, as evidenced by a 2020 incident where a gunman fired eight shots into his parked Lexus during a “business meeting” in Bangkok, a case that remains unsolved to this day.
As Pol Gen Surachate’s future within the police force hangs in the balance, three potential candidates have emerged as contenders for the next chief position: Kitrat Phanphet and Thana Chuwong, both deputy chiefs, and Kraiboon Suadsong, an inspector-general. The selection of the next national police chief will undoubtedly shape the future of law enforcement in Thailand and determine the direction of the force in the coming years. The fallout from “Big Joke’s” dismissal and the subsequent power struggle within the police force highlight the complex dynamics at play in the Thai law enforcement landscape. Only time will tell how these events will unfold and what impact they will have on the overall integrity and effectiveness of the police force.