Deputy National Police Chief Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn has been charged with the wrongful exercise of duties and accepting bribes by the police. This follows the discovery of a financial connection between him and an illegal online gambling network through at least 4 mule accounts valued at 300 million baht, as reported by Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). He also said more than half of the 300 million was transferred to other high-ranking officers and used to cover Pol Gen Surachate's daily expenses. Pol Gen Surachate, along with four other police officers accused of the same offenses, could also face charges of money laundering, according to Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat. Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat stated that the investigation into Pol Gen Surachate is linked to the probe against Suchanun "Minnie" Sucharitchinsri, who is suspected of operating online gambling websites involving 61 suspects and eight other police officers. In September 2023, Suchanun denied allegations of running illegal online gambling websites. However, she did acknowledge having a close relationship with one of Deputy National Police Chiefs, Pol Gen Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn's close aides, Pol Col Pakpoom Pisamai.

Deputy National Police Chief Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn clarified that no official charges have been pressed against him; they have been filed only against his subordinates. This is due to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)'s pending decision on whether they will handle the case or let the police proceed. A case involving high-ranking officers is usually handled by the NACC. "I am still 100% innocent, and the charges have been communicated to my subordinates only," he asserted. He believes the NACC's delay in its decision, despite being informed by the police since last year, stems from their caution about being used as a tool by officers pressing charges against him. "I believe the NACC is concerned that police infighting might be the motive, and they do not want to be used as a tool by the police," he added. Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, the deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, said yesterday that the police are charging Pol Gen Surachate with the wrongful exercise of duties and accepting bribes. These charges are related to the discovery of financial links between Pol Gen Surachate and an illegal online gambling network through at least 4 mule accounts valued at 300 million baht. Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat urged the NACC to return the case to the police so they can continue the investigation. Pol Gen Surachate said today that since Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat claimed the case involved money laundering of assets exceeding 300 million baht, the police lack the authority to investigate it, as such cases fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Special Investigation. He warned that investigative officers could face legal consequences for initiating an unauthorized investigation. "The press conference [by Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat] yesterday was intended to pressure the NACC and has dragged the NACC into the conflict," he stated. Furthermore, he vehemently denied any wrongdoing or connection with illegal online gambling rings.

Embattled deputy national police chief, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, called a press conference today to declare his innocence, after he was among five police officers charged by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) for allegedly extorting money from an illegal online gambling network.

National Police chief Pol General Torsak Sukvimol on Friday issued an urgent order to all police officers to avoid giving information or interviews to the media that could undermine the image or operations of the Royal Thai Police, or create a condition that would lead to personal benefits.

In the heart of the bustling and vibrant land of smiles, Thailand, a tale as intriguing as a spicy Thai curry unfolded, leaving everyone on the edge of their seats. On a seemingly ordinary Friday, whispers and murmurings emerged, transforming into a full-blown drama that captured the attention of the nation.

The national police chief has ordered the transfer of eight officers linked to Suchanun "Minnie" Sucharitchinsri, a woman accused of running an online gambling network, to prevent them from interfering with the case.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has resolved to take over from the police an investigation into the alleged involvement of deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn and four other parties in a major online gambling network that was busted earlier.

Warrants have been approved for the arrest of three police officers and a civilian, while a summons has been issued for a high-ranking police officer over accusations of money laundering in connection with an illegal online gambling network.

Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn filed a defamation complaint against Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, the deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, for accusing him of wrongful exercise of duties and accepting bribes, relating to the ongoing case against Pol Gen Surachate for alleged financial links to an illegal online gambling network. Pol Gen Surachate's lawyer, Natthakorn Tosakul, said Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat discredited the deputy national police chief when he told reporters about the investigation against Pol Gen Surachate on February 22. Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat said on February 22 that the police are seeking to charge Pol Gen Surachate with the wrongful exercise of duties and accepting bribes. These charges are related to the discovery of alleged financial links between Pol Gen Surachate and an illegal online gambling network through at least four mule accounts valued at 300 million baht. Natthakorn said the details provided by Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat should not have been divulged due to the ongoing investigation, and some of the information was inaccurate, further damaging Pol Gen Surachate's reputation. Regarding the alleged financial links, Natthakorn said Pol Gen Surachate's legal team will conduct a press conference soon to explain them. He also mentioned that Pol Gen Surachate could address all the allegations against him, and their findings involve other financial links to civil servants from various agencies, which will certainly impact them.

Enquiry officers from Bangkok’s Thung Song Hong police station have issued a summons for Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief, to acknowledge money laundering charges, in connection with the BNKMaster online gambling website, which has been closed by the police and is under investigation.

Police have summonsed deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn to face a money-laundering charge in connection with alleged online gambling.

Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn's legal team will hold a press conference on March 19 to expose high-ranking officers who are allegedly linked to an illegal gambling network, according to news reports. This comes after he was officially summoned for money laundering in connection with an online gambling ring. Pol Gen Surachate received the summons from investigative officers at Thung Song Hong Police Station, with the summoning date set for March 21. National Police Chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukwimon has been informed of this summons, and news reports indicate that he will assign Assistant National Police Chief Pol Lt Gen Kraiboon Suadsong in his capacity as inspector-general to oversee the case against Pol Gen Surachate. The case is related to the investigation of alleged financial connections between Pol Gen Surachate and an illegal online gambling network, involving at least four mule accounts valued at 300 million baht.

National deputy police chief Pol General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn was served with a summons to appear in court on Thursday to face money laundering charges.

National police chief Pol Gen Torsak Suvimol said on Monday that his deputy Surachate Hakparn may be suspended due to a probe into the latter's alleged involvement in an online gambling network and the case would be concluded before the chief's retirement this September.

Pol Maj Gen Namkiat Teerarojanapon, commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s training center and one of Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn's subordinates, said Pol Gen Surachate's team is being investigated for alleged connections with the "Minnie" illegal online gambling ring because of their investigation against Chon Buri provincial police chief and seven senior police officers for allegedly extorting 140 million baht from online gambling suspects. Pol Gen Surachate and his team are now being investigated for two cases, including the Minnie case and the BNK Master illegal online gambling website which are connected. The investigation against Pol Gen Surachate on the Minnie case is now being handled by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) while the investigation against Pol Gen Surachate on the BNK Master is being handled by investigators at Taopoon Police Station. The latest police summonings of Pol Gen Surachate were related to the Minnie case and the BNK Master case even though the two cases shared the same suspects. The BNK Master case came after Pol Gen Surachate argued that the police had no power to investigate him because the NACC already accepted the case against him but the case that the NACC accepted was the Minnie case, not the BNK Master case. Pol Maj Gen Namkiat did not provide evidence against his claim that he and Pol Gen Surachate's team are being investigated because of their investigation into the 140 million baht extortion case. However, he did say that it was the investigation against a Police Colonel in the case that led to alleged retaliation and the Police Colonel's name has an initial "D" in it. In June 2023, former Chon Buri provincial police chief, Pol Maj Gen Kamphon Leelaprapaporn, and seven senior police officers were moved to inactive posts for the alleged extortion, pending an investigation that is still ongoing. The seven other officers include Pol Lt Col Narongrit Wasuphan (deputy Chon Buri chief), Pol Lt Col Sathian Ratchapongthai (deputy superintendent at Nong Kham station in Chon Buri), Pol Maj Pornthep Phetnuan (investigation chief at Wang Chan station in Rayong), Pol Col Damrong Onta (superintendent at the Cyber Investigation Bureau), Pol Maj Nakhonrat Nonseelad, Pol Lt Col Pathomphong Meeyu, and Pol Capt Somboon Butdalert. Pol Maj Gen Namkiat also claimed that there is a financial trail between the curator of the BNK Master website and the family members of a police general whose name has an initial "T" in it and his wife whose name has an initial "K" in it. He did not provide evidence for this claim as well. Meanwhile, Pol Gen Surachate's legal team continued to deny alleged links between the deputy national police chief and the Minnie online gambling ring, and the BNK Master online gambling website. They said the 200,000 baht donation to a temple that the investigators said came from the gambling website was actually Pol Gen Surachate's money. They said the 13,100 baht that was claimed to have been used to buy plane tickets for NACC officials that the investigators said came from the gambling website has nothing to do with Pol Gen Surachate because it was one of his subordinates who made the purchase for himself and his family. They also said the alleged three financial trails between Pol Gen Surachate and the BNK Master website do not exist and questioned why the investigators targeted Pol Gen Surachate in this case when there are 31 other financial trails that could lead to other police groups. They also questioned why there is a need to open a separate case for the BNK Master website when the curator of the website is already a suspect in the Minnie case.

Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, the national police chief, maintains that one of his deputies, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, is not the victim of persecution or of foul play over the issuance of a summons for him to report to Thung Song Hong police station, to acknowledge money laundering charges related to the BNKMaster online gambling website.

Pol Maj Gen Namkiat Teerarojanapon, commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s training center and one of Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn's subordinates, said Pol Gen Surachate's team is being investigated for alleged connections with the "Minnie" illegal online gambling ring because of their investigation against Chon Buri provincial police chief and seven senior police officers for allegedly extorting 140 million baht from online gambling suspects. Pol Gen Surachate and his team are now being investigated for two cases, including the Minnie case and the BNK Master illegal online gambling website which are connected. The investigation against Pol Gen Surachate on the Minnie case is now being handled by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) while the investigation against Pol Gen Surachate on the BNK Master is being handled by investigators at Taopoon Police Station. The latest police summonings of Pol Gen Surachate were related to the Minnie case and the BNK Master case even though the two cases shared the same suspects. The BNK Master case came after Pol Gen Surachate argued that the police had no power to investigate him because the NACC already accepted the case against him but the case that the NACC accepted was the Minnie case, not the BNK Master case. Pol Maj Gen Namkiat did not provide evidence against his claim that he and Pol Gen Surachate's team are being investigated because of their investigation into the 140 million baht extortion case. However, he did say that it was the investigation against a Police Colonel in the case that led to alleged retaliation and the Police Colonel's name has an initial "D" in it. In June 2023, former Chon Buri provincial police chief, Pol Maj Gen Kamphon Leelaprapaporn, and seven senior police officers were moved to inactive posts for the alleged extortion, pending an investigation that is still ongoing. The seven other officers include Pol Lt Col Narongrit Wasuphan (deputy Chon Buri chief), Pol Lt Col Sathian Ratchapongthai (deputy superintendent at Nong Kham station in Chon Buri), Pol Maj Pornthep Phetnuan (investigation chief at Wang Chan station in Rayong), Pol Col Damrong Onta (superintendent at the Cyber Investigation Bureau), Pol Maj Nakhonrat Nonseelad, Pol Lt Col Pathomphong Meeyu, and Pol Capt Somboon Butdalert. Pol Maj Gen Namkiat also claimed that there is a financial trail between the curator of the BNK Master website and the family members of a police general whose name has an initial "T" in it and his wife whose name has an initial "K" in it. He did not provide evidence for this claim as well. Meanwhile, Pol Gen Surachate's legal team continued to deny alleged links between the deputy national police chief and the Minnie online gambling ring, and the BNK Master online gambling website. They said the 200,000 baht donation to a temple that the investigators said came from the gambling website was actually Pol Gen Surachate's money. They said the 13,100 baht that was claimed to have been used to buy plane tickets for NACC officials that the investigators said came from the gambling website has nothing to do with Pol Gen Surachate because it was one of his subordinates who made the purchase for himself and his family. They also said the alleged three financial trails between Pol Gen Surachate and the BNK Master website do not exist and questioned why the investigators targeted Pol Gen Surachate in this case when there are 31 other financial trails that could lead to other police groups. They also questioned why there is a need to open a separate case for the BNK Master website when the curator of the website is already a suspect in the Minnie case. Update: National Police Chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol stated that Pol Maj Gen Namkiat and Pol Gen Surachate's legal team should present evidence against the more than 30 police officers, including high-ranking officers, allegedly linked to online gambling rings, instead of merely providing initials of their names. Pol Gen Torsak also announced an investigation into the claim that Pol Gen Surachate and his team are being targeted for their investigations, while no inquiries are being conducted regarding financial transactions that could implicate other police groups. Regarding the claim that Pol Gen Surachate and his team are being targeted due to their investigation into the 140 million baht extortion case involving other police officers, Pol Gen Torsak asserted that the two cases are unrelated. He expressed confidence that such practices do not occur under his command. Pol Gen Torsak emphasized that if evidence is provided, investigations into the officers will be conducted. However, he criticized the public airing of such claims without substantiating evidence, stating that it has already brought disgrace to the entire Royal Thai Police.

National police chief Torsak Sukvimol said on Wednesday he is handing all legal cases involving his deputy Surachate Hakparn over to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, hoping to end the impression of conflict within the Royal Thai Police Office.

National Police Chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol and Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn have been transferred to inactive posts at the Office of the Prime Minister as per the instruction of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, according to news reports. According to the reports, Pol Gen Kittirat Phanphet will assume the acting national police chief position. Update: This development occurred after Pol Gen Torsak and Pol Gen Surachate held a joint press conference following their meeting with Srettha, stating that the internal conflict within the Royal Thai Police has been resolved. Pol Gen Torsak mentioned that cases involving police officers accused of malfeasance, bribery, extortion, and money laundering in connection with online gambling rings, reportedly involving around 30-40 officers across various ongoing cases, will be investigated by the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Pol Gen Surachate emphasized the urgency of swiftly resolving the conflict to enable active officers to resume their duties. Additionally, Pol Gen Torsak refuted the existence of any significant conflict initially. These statements were prompted by remarks made yesterday by Pol Maj Gen Namkiat Teerarojanapon, commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s training center and one of Pol Gen Surachate's subordinates. He suggested that Pol Gen Surachate's team is under investigation for alleged connections with the "Minnie" illegal online gambling ring due to their inquiry into the alleged extortion of 140 million baht from online gambling suspects by the Chon Buri provincial police chief and seven senior police officers. All such allegations and related cases will now be reviewed by the NACC. Both the Royal Thai Police and the PM Office have yet to confirm news reports regarding the transfer of both Pol Gen Torsak and Pol Gen Surachate to inactive posts. Update: Prime Minister Srettha has confirmed that both Pol Gen Torsak "Big Tor" Sukvimol and Pol Gen Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn have been transferred to inactive posts at the Office of the Prime Minister. The transfer will be temporary, lasting around two months, pending investigations into allegations against them. Additionally, a source has confirmed that Pol Gen Kittirat "Big Tai" Phanphet will assume the acting national police chief position. Both Pol Gen Surachate and Pol Gen Kittirat are candidates for the National Police Chief position, as Pol Gen Torsak is set to retire in around six months' time.

Pol Gen Kittirat Panphet, Deputy Police Chief, has confirmed PM Srettha has issued an order for Pol Gen Torsak Sukwimon, Police Chief, & Pol Gen Surachet Hakphan, Deputy Pol Chief, to temporarily transfer to the PM's Office and appoint him as acting Police Chief. The order comes as two police chiefs have been at odds over their investigations into online gambling, which they may be involved in.

There is no guarantee that National Police Chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol and Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn will be back from suspension, as their return to active duty will depend on ongoing investigations into the allegations against them, said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin after chairing a meeting with the Royal Thai Police. He said it could be 30 days, 60 days, or faster and added that he wanted society to rest assured that no one would be able to interfere with the justice process. Srettha was accompanied by Pol Gen Kittirat "Big Tai" Phanphet, acting national police chief, at the press conference. Pol Gen Torsak and Pol Gen Surachate were transferred to inactive posts at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday. This came after Pol Maj Gen Namkiat Teerarojanapon, commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s training center and one of Pol Gen Surachate's subordinates, publicly claimed that Pol Gen Surachate's team is under investigation for alleged connections with the "Minnie" illegal online gambling ring due to their inquiry into the alleged extortion of 140 million baht from online gambling suspects by high-ranking officers in Chonburi. Pol Gen Surachate's legal team also claims that there are other financial trails that lead to 30 more officers, but Pol Gen Surachate's team was targeted because the investigators wanted to discredit him. Pol Maj Gen Namkiat also claimed that there is a financial trail between the curator of an illegal online website and the family members of a police general whose name has an initial "T" in it and his wife whose name has an initial "K" in it. Pol Gen Torsak then told reporters afterward that Pol Maj Gen Namkiat and Pol Gen Surachate's legal team should present evidence for their accusations instead of merely providing initials of their names. After Pol Gen Torsak's comments to the press, Srettha has decided to suspend both Pol Gen Torsak and Pol Gen Surachate. All investigations against Pol Gen Surachate will now be handled by the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and a police committee has been set up by Srettha to look into other allegations made by Pol Maj Gen Namkiat and Pol Gen Surachate's legal team.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered the transfer of national police chief Torsak Sukvimol and his deputy Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn to work at the Prime Minister's Office in the wake of a conflict within the Royal Thai Police (RTP).

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin deserves praise for promptly transferring two high-ranking police officers -- national police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol and his deputy Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn -- to inactive posts at Government House.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin today ordered senior police officers to stop talking or giving news to the media about the BNKMaster online gambling case, in an effort to ease tensions within the police service while the case is being considered by an ad hoc fact-finding committee.

Tao Poon Police Station didn't receive the memo, as they have issued another summons for Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn. He is accused of malfeasance, bribery, and money laundering in connection with financial trials involving him, the "Minnie" illegal online gambling ring, and the BNK Master illegal online gambling website. The latest summons for Big Joke is related to the BNK Master case, which the police are handling, while the Minnie case is being dealt with by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The latest summons came as a surprise since both Pol Gen Surachate and National Police Chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol stated on Wednesday that all cases against Pol Gen Surachate would now be handled by the NACC. This latest summons is the second in the same case, as Pol Gen Surachate failed to appear at the first summons yesterday. However, the police officers in charge of delivering the summons to Pol Gen Surachate could not find anyone to receive it when they arrived at his house, as he had left before their arrival and no one else was home. According to news reports, Pol Gen Surachate stated that he is on a leave of absence for a personal visit to Nong Khai and will travel to the UK with his family on March 26 before returning to Thailand on April 1, when his legal team will hold another press conference.

Tao Poon police successfully delivered a summon letter to former Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, SKA "Big Joke", by leaving it at his house Fri but Surachate wasn't at home. Reporters saw Surachate's car leaving just minutes before Tao Poon police arrived. Surachate who is accused of money laundering in relation to an online gambling business is on leave and will be travelling to the UK according, to a source, on March 26, and return on April 1.

PM Srettha says Fri the press should stop fixating on the alleged feud between former Police Chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol and ex deputy chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, who’s facing a charge of money laundering, now that both have been transferred to inactive post.

A second summons notice was posted at a Bangkok house of embattled deputy National Police chief Pol General Surachate Hakparn on Friday for him to hear money-laundering charges against him next Tuesday (March 26).

Police are considering seeking an arrest warrant against deputy national police chief Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn should he fail to respond to a summons submitted for the second time on Friday at his home addresses and current workplace.

Justice will be done to resolve the conflict between two high-ranking police officers over alleged bribes tied to an illegal online gambling network, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Wednesday.

The police have issued a third summons warrant for suspended Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, according to news reports. Pol Gen Surachate is accused of malfeasance, bribery, and money laundering in connection with financial trials involving him, the "Minnie" illegal online gambling ring, and the BNK Master illegal online gambling website. The latest summons for Big Joke is related to the BNK Master case, which the police are handling, while the Minnie case is being dealt with by the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Pol Gen Surachate has failed to show up for the two previous summonses, and if he fails to report to the Metropolitan Police Division 2 for the third summons on April 1, an arrest warrant could be issued for the suspended deputy national police chief.

Deputy National Police chief Pol General Surachate Hakparn would face arrest if he did not report himself to police investigators by April 1 to hear money-laundering charges against him, an informed source said on Thursday.

Temporarily transferred national police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol has sued high-profile lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd for defamation for accusing him of being involved in taking bribes from illegal businesses.

Celebrity lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd declared on Saturday that he will file a police complaint against the National Police chief and his wife for their alleged role in money laundering.

Well-known lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd is scheduled to submit information to the Move Forward Party (MFP) on Monday about alleged bribery involving online gambling networks, national police chief Torsak Sukvimol and his wife.

Lawyer Sittha Biabangkerd has officially filed a police report against suspended National Police Chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, accusing him and his wife of money laundering. The evidence includes financial trails from an alleged police bribery ring, including two alleged mule accounts that could be linked to Pol Gen Torsak and his wife. Sittha had earlier handed this set of evidence to the police's anti-corruption division, and today he is filing a police report and handing in the evidence to the Tao Poon Police Station. He said he would later provide an official statement to the police, and his investigator would also provide a statement as a witness in the case. He added that he would hand the evidence to all related agencies if possible, with the next step being the Parliament's committee on police affairs. He also said he has yet to file a negligence complaint against Pol Gen Torsak. Lawyer Sittha had previously accused Pol Gen Torsak, his subordinates, and dozens of other officers of accepting monthly bribes worth 100 million baht from at least 18 groups of businesses. He asserted that Pol Gen Torsak had full control over at least two mule accounts that had been receiving the bribe money. Pol Gen Torsak's legal team had previously filed a 5 million baht lawsuit against Lawyer Sittha, accusing him of defaming the suspended National Police Chief's reputation. However, the lawsuit was dropped by the legal team less than 24 hours later on March 30, citing their willingness to fight the case without the defamation lawsuit hanging in the background, especially since Lawyer Sittha indicated he would file an official police report today.

Lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd on Monday filed a police complaint against national police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol and his wife, and the owners of two mule accounts, accusing them of money laundering.

Police reform still looks a distant prospect as internal rifts, scandals and political inference continue to beset the Royal Thai Police (RTP), according to observers.

The Criminal Court on Tues issues an arrest warrant against ex Deputy Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, AKA "Big Joke", aft he failed to answer to police summons thrice for charge of money laundering related to online gambling business. It's unclear where he is.

Deputy Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, AKA "Big Joke", turns himself in Tuesday evening after the Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant following his failure to answer to police summons thrice for charge of money laundering related to online gambling business.

Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, AKA "Big Joke," turned himself in at Bangkok's Tao Poon police station Tues evening. The Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant aft he failed to respond to 3 summonses for money laundering related to online gambling. The questioning process took over an hour. When he was granted bail & when departing he was asked about the rumour that he denied fingerprinting, Surachet replied, "I followed normal procedures. He also stated that as long as the court has not given a verdict, he is still considered innocent.

The Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Police Lieutenant General Surachate Hakparn after three summonses were issued and not responded to. The request for the arrest warrant was made by the investigative officers of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) on April 2nd at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road. The warrant accuses Lt. Gen. Surachate of conspiring to commit crimes, money laundering, and being a public officer involved in money laundering, under the Anti-Money Laundering Act According to news reports, Pol Gen Surachate already turned himself in at Tao Poon Police Station.

The Ratchadapisek Criminal Court issued a warrant this afternoon for the arrest of Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief, on the grounds that there is sufficient evidence that he was involved in money laundering in connection with an online gambling platform and attempted to dodge summonses issued by police investigators.

Deputy national police chief Surachate Hakparn turned himself in to police to answer charges of money laundering, just hours after after investigators obtained a warrant for his arrest on Tuesday.

Suspended Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn was granted bail. He was charged with money laundering. He would not divulge his plea. He said he is still innocent under the presumption of innocence. He said he is willing to fight the case and let justice run its course. He was accused by Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, the deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, in connection with alleged financial ties between an illegal online gambling ring and the suspended Deputy National Police Chief.

Lawyer Sittha Biabangkerd submitted evidence, including financial trials from an alleged police bribery ring, to high-ranking police officers on the police's complaint committee. This evidence was received by Pol Lt-Gen Sorasak Yenprem, the head of the committee. Additionally, Lawyer Sittha submitted the evidence to the main opposition Move Forward Party today. Earlier, the lawyer had filed a police report against suspended National Police Chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol at the Taopoon Police Station, accusing him and his wife of money laundering. He also handed in the same set of evidence against POl Gen Torsak to the police's anti-corruption division, which was received by Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, the deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau. Pol Lt Gen Rewat Klinkesorn, former commissioner of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, who was also present when Sittha handed in the evidence to the police's complaint committee, said the committee was not appointed by the Royal Thai Police and they are independent from the national police force. If found guilty, the implicated officers could be fired from the force, he added.

Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn will not be suspended from police duty, for now, said Pol Gen Kittirat "Big Tai" Phanphet, acting national police chief. Pol Gen Surachate was moved to inactive duty at the PM's Office following instructions from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. This means that he has been suspended from the Deputy National Police Chief position, but not from police duty, and he is still receiving his full wage and welfare. Pol Gen Kittirat explained that there are procedures that need to be followed, and the national police HQ has yet to receive reports about the allegations against Pol Gen Surachate, as the investigative officers are still probing the accusations. Pol Gen Surachate was accused of money laundering in connection with alleged financial transactions from an illegal online gambling network that allegedly involved him and his subordinates. An arrest warrant has been issued for him after he failed to comply with three previous summoning warrants. He turned himself in after the Criminal Court approved the arrest warrant, and he was granted bail yesterday. Pol Gen Kittirat said that, apart from the reports from the investigative officers, the national police HQ is also waiting for a statement from Pol Gen Surachate regarding the allegations against him. After these reports come in, they will be compiled by the criminal division before being forwarded to him to consider what measures should be implemented. The disciplinary division will also need to provide their opinion before any disciplinary actions can be decided upon. When asked how long the special investigation committee, set up by the prime minister to look into allegations against Pol Gen Surachate and suspended National Police Chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, has before they have to present their findings, Pol Gen Kittirat said they have 60 days but they could request extensions.

Deputy national police chief, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, has not been suspended yet as the Royal Thai Police needs to set up a committee to probe the allegations against him first, the acting national police chief said.

Initial investigation suggests ex Deputy Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn is guilty of money laundering related to online gambling business, said Pol Gen Winai Songthong, a member of investigation committee. He adds the results was arrived aft interrogating 30 people.

Big Joke urged to resign amid scandal that has enveloped him. Pundit Jatuporn Prompan advises a career shift after preliminary guilty finding by the PM’s panel and an arrest warrant. Thailand’s top cop faces dire career prospects as an extended legal battle looms. Further shocking revelations in the Royal Thai Police corruption saga expected as activist lawyer Sittra Biebangkerd digs further.

Deputy National Police chief Pol General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn sounds surprisingly cheerful given that his high-flying career has just plunged into another crisis.

Suspended Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn has requested an additional 10 days to prepare a statement regarding his money laundering case. Pol Gen Surachate is accused of accepting bribes and involvement in money laundering linked to the Minnie illegal online gambling ring, currently under investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Additionally, he is implicated in the BNK Master illegal online gambling website, a case being handled by the police, though the two investigations are connected. Pol Gen Surachate failed to comply with three summonses for the BNK Master case before an arrest warrant was issued, leading to his surrender on April 2. He was subsequently granted bail but was expected to provide his statement to the police today. However, he requested more time to gather evidence in support of his statement. His request was granted, and his next reporting date to the police is scheduled for April 27.

Ex Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn has been suspended from the police force Thurs. Order was signed by caretaker Police Chief Pol Gen Kittirat Panpetch aft he met PM Srettha.
Surachate was charged with money laundering related to online gambling.

Suspended Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, who was serving in an inactive post at the PM's Office, has reportedly been fully suspended from the police force, as per news reports. Additionally, four of his subordinates have also been suspended from the police force. They are: - Pol Col Kittichai Sangkhathaworn
- Pol Lt Gen Krit Pariyaket
- Pol Sgt Natthawut Wadwaew
- Pol Sgt Natthanan Chuchak Pol Gen Surachate is facing allegations of accepting bribes and involvement in money laundering related to the Minnie illegal online gambling ring, which is currently under investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Moreover, he is implicated in the BNK Master illegal online gambling website, which is a case being handled by the police. These two investigations are believed to be interconnected.

The Southerners Assoc issues a statement opposition the decision to suspend former Deputy Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn from police service yest aft he was charged with money laundering related to online gambling. The association, in which Surachate is president, said he should be assumed innocent until proven otherwise by the court.

Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party and a list MP, denied any knowledge of alleged misconduct by a current member of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). His comments followed a complaint filed by suspended Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn against Suchart Trakulkasemsuk for potential misconduct and impartiality. Pol Gen Surachate claimed that Suchart might be biased against him and suggested that Gen Prawit could be a witness to Suchart's alleged misconduct. Gen Prawit stated today that he does not personally know Suchart. NACC's Secretary-General, Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, confirmed in a separate interview with the press this morning that the NACC will investigate Pol Gen Surachate's allegations against Suchart. When asked whether Suchart would be excluded from the investigation into Pol Gen Surachate, who is under investigation for alleged bribery and money laundering, Niwatchai responded that they must first look into Pol Gen Surachate's allegations against Suchart. Regarding whether this complaint from Pol Gen Surachate will delay the investigation against him, Niwatchai explained that the investigation process has not yet reached the commissioners, so the complaint will not impact the investigation. Regarding the leaked document containing Pol Gen Surachate's complaint against Suchart that began circulating online over the weekend, Niwatchai said the NACC did not release it and suggested that Pol Gen Surachate might have released it himself. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha stated that suspended Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn should petition the Supreme Court Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions if he possesses evidence of misconduct by NACC commissioner Suchart Trakulkasemsuk. His comments followed Pol Gen Surachate's request for the NACC to forward his petition against Suchart to the House Speaker to investigate Suchart's conduct while serving as an NACC commissioner. He noted that the court is directly responsible for investigating such allegations. When asked about the claim that Suchart manipulated the NACC appointment process to secure his selection, Wan Noor mentioned that Parliament has yet to address it, but highlighted that the court could also examine the allegation.

PM Srettha said Mon there is nothing new or anything to worry abt suspended former Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn filing a complaint against him with the National Anti-Corruption Commission accusing him of abusing his power. Surachate was suspended from the police force lady week following a charge that he laundered money related to illegal online gambling business.

Suspended Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn has filed a petition asking the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and police investigators who are conducting an inquiry against him for alleged misconduct. He also claims that Srettha and the police investigators aim to block him from becoming a police chief. Pol Gen Surachate is facing allegations of accepting bribes and involvement in money laundering related to the Minnie illegal online gambling ring, which is currently under investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Additionally, he is implicated in the BNK Master illegal online gambling website, a case being handled by the police. These two investigations are believed to be interconnected. He has been suspended from police duty pending an investigation into his case. Pol Gen Surachate contends that the police investigation against him is unfair. He alleges: - The police investigators do not have the authority to investigate him for the BNK Master case because it is linked to the Minnie case, which is already under investigation by the NACC. He claims that the alleged financial trail in the Minnie and BNK Master cases, which allegedly leads to his subordinate, Pol Lt Gen Krit Pariyaket, is the same. - The NACC has identified issues with the investigation in the Minnie case, but the police investigators want to continue pursuing the case independently. This is why, according to him, the Tao Poon Police Station initiated a new case, BNK Master, to discredit him and impede his prospects of becoming a police chief. - Both cases involve high-ranking officers and an alleged money trail exceeding 300 million baht, warranting investigation by the NACC. - Pol Gen Surachate further alleges that Prime Minister Srettha's decisions to reassign him to an inactive post, establish a special police committee to investigate him, and then return him to an active post to facilitate his suspension from police duty were aimed at discrediting him. He maintains his innocence until proven otherwise by the NACC, thereby deeming the suspension unjust and alleging that it was intended to impede his prospects of becoming a police chief. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said suspended Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn's petition for the National Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate him is linked to alleged abuse of power in approving the appointment of suspended National Police Chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol. Srettha said Pol Gen Surachate's allegations are not new, as a similar petition has been previously filed. He insisted that the appointment process was conducted in accordance with regulations, highlighting that the Police Commission voted 9-1 to appoint Pol Gen Torsak as the 14th National Police Chief. Srettha also clarified that he did not favor any candidate or show bias toward any individual. Pol Gen Surachate was a candidate in the previous appointment and is considered one of the leading contenders for the next reshuffle. Srettha questioned why Pol Gen Surachate waited until now to file the petition, considering that Pol Gen Torsak was appointed in September 2023. Regarding Pol Gen Surachate's complaint against the decision to transfer him to inactive duty, Srettha explained that the request to transfer him to the Prime Minister's Office originated from the Royal Thai Police, and he merely endorsed it. He noted that failure to proceed with the transfer could result in a negligence investigation against him.

Deputy national police chief Surachate Hakparn on Monday accused Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of malfeasance in having him suspended and said that as a result he was blocked from becoming the next national police chief.

Suspended Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn withdrew his petition against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin just one day after filing it. He stated that he no longer questions the PM's actions. He had requested the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate the prime minister for allegedly not following the law in the appointment of suspended National Police Chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, as well as for alleged abuse of power in transferring him to inactive duty and subsequently suspending him from police duty. However, he has not withdrawn his petition asking the NACC to investigate the police investigators looking into money laundering allegations against him in connection with the BNK Master case. Surachate Hakparn argues that these investigators lack jurisdiction over the case since it is linked to the Minnie case, which is already under investigation by the NACC. He accuses the investigators of attempting to discredit him to prevent him from potentially becoming the national police chief in the future. Despite Pol Gen Surachate's decision to withdraw his petition, the investigation against PM Srettha in terms of the appointment of Pol Gen Torsak will continue, as a similar complaint was filed by former police chief Sereepisuth Temeeyaves in October 2023.

Pol General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn on Tuesday withdrew the complaint he had filed with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) accusing Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of malfeasance under Section 157 of the Criminal Code for suspending him from the police force.

The name of former Deputy Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn has been removed from both the official police website and from a chart at the National Police HQ. The move came aft Surachate was charged with money laundering related to online gambling business.

Pol General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn has lodged an official complaint against the acting national police chief, saying the order suspending him from service was unlawful.

A Royal Thai Police disciplinary probe panel will issue a summons for suspended deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn and four other police officers to acknowledge a critical disciplinary violation accusation, deputy national chief Pol Gen Sarawut Kanpanich said yesterday.

Lawyer Sittha Biabangkerd submitted additional evidence against suspended National Police Chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol to the Anti-Money Laundering Office. The evidence includes an alleged financial trail from 18 business groups engaged in illegal activities to the bank accounts of Gen Torsak Sukvimol and his wife. The details include the alleged monthly financial trail from the businesses to two of Gen Torsak Sukvimol's subordinates who laundered the money before sending around 100,000 baht every month to the accounts of Gen Torsak Sukvimol's wife. Other evidence of money laundering includes investments in various businesses such as a resort in Khao Yai, donations, and high-value assets, including two houses in the UK. Lawyer Sittha also said that the two houses in the UK were not declared as part of his assets, which means that he could be filing false asset declarations with the National Anti-Corruption Commission as well.

A former senior prosecutor for the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) has filed a lawsuit against a former forensic officer who changed the recorded speed of the infamous hit-and-run case of Red Bull scion Vorayuth

A report about a female police officer suffering from depression induced by boot camp-style work training is a red flag suggesting officers may be in need of professional help despite how tough they might seem.

A lawyer has exposed a gang with police links that allegedly collects bribes, acquiring 100 million baht in kickbacks each month.

A Taiwanese businessman was arrested in Bangkok as a suspect who hired gunmen to kill his own son, his wife, and his son’s lawyer with wages as high as 500,000 baht per person due to family business conflicts.

A legal team of Police Commissioner-General Pol General Torsak Sukvimol will file defamation lawsuits against a celebrity lawyer in the Criminal Court on Friday for allegedly linking the police chief to collecting massive bribes.

Police have arrested 90 alleged scammers, including 55 Chinese nationals, during raids on eight locations in Chawang district of this southern province.

Police raided a karaoke bar in Phuket last night aft an officer posed himself as a customer to buy sex from an underage girl for 3K bt plus 400 baht for the middleman. They found 2 girls, 13 & 14. Saphawan Mas-osit, 39, admits to selling underage girls for sex.

Five foreigners were arrested this week in four separate cases involving call centre scams, e-cigarette sales and narcotics, Pol Maj Gen Panthana Nuchanart, deputy head of the Immigration Bureau (IB), said.

On March 29, Thai officials reported the taking down of a huge Chinese call center gang in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, which had been illegally established to defraud Thais and Chinese citizens. Officers arrested 90 people and seized computers and other devices.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is looking to propose that officials from the Revenue Department, Excise Department, and Royal Thai Police (RTP) be required to report their assets in the interests of enhanced transparency.

The court has dropped all charges against another 67 anti-government protesters who were involved in a shutdown of Bangkok’s two main airports in 2008, citing that the protest was considered a peaceful assembly.

Two foreign nationals providing courses for a well-known yoga school on Koh Phangan for 9,000 baht per head have been arrested for working without work permits.

Police on Saturday raided a massage parlor inside a Lat Phrao mall where they arrested 15 foreign nationals.

Tourist Police, the Koh Phangan District Administrative Officer, and Immigration Police arrested Mr. Somphet, 37, of German nationality, and Ms.Arbely Natalie, 34, of Canadian nationality, at Samma Karuna, Village No. 8, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province. They were charged with working without a permit.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has instructed the cyber police to prosecute major suspects within 30 days. Srettha said cybercrimes, including illegal online gambling, scams, and fake news, are rampant, impacting not only the victims but also national stability. He urged the cyber police to prioritize the apprehension of significant culprits, regardless of their status, and to remain undeterred by any political interference in their investigations. According to the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, cybercrime has caused damage worth 6.76 billion baht from 53,179 cases between November and mid-January. In 2023, cybercrimes resulted in losses worth 20 billion baht in over 185,000 cases.

An 80-year-old man who has been on the run for almost three decades has been arrested after returning to the UK from Thailand, police have said.

On April 2, immigration officials from Krabi Province, along with police officers from Krabi Provincial Police Station and Ao Nang Police Station, conducted an inspection of entertainment venues in the Ao Nang Subdistrict, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi Province.

Police raided eight locations in this southern island province on Wednesday and Thursday, suspecting a Russian of money laundering and some Thais of setting up bogus firms to facilitate foreigners' visa and work permit applications.

Two tour operators were ordered shut down on suspicion of acting as nominees for foreign businesses, tourism authorities said Thursday.

Following an investigation, it was revealed that foreigners had illegally entered Thailand to work or conduct business by using nominees. Officers from Provincial Police Region 8, directed by Police Lieutenant General Suraphong Thanomchit, entered and searched suspicious places alongside members of the Phuket Provincial Administration, Commerce Department, Tourist Police, and Phuket Immigration Police.

At least 400 criminal cases have been filed against foreigners by the province’s new special task force set up to watch out for bad behaviour by visitors, according to Phuket governor Sophon Suwannarat.

Police seized 110 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine along with other drugs and arrested two smugglers at a hotel in Bangkok on Thursday.

The opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) accused the government yesterday of failing to honour its promise to stamp out call centre gangs operating on the other side of the Thai-Myanmar border - a growing threat to Thailand and other countries.

Thailand's National Human Rights Commission declared the involvement of Thai authorities in deploying the controversial Pegasus spyware as "undeniable," challenging repeated denials by state officials. This acknowledgment shines a spotlight on the kingdom's intricate history of surveillance and its impact on political activism. Pegasus, a powerful surveillance tool developed by the Israeli firm NSO Group, is capable of infiltrating smartphones to extract data and monitor users in real-time. Its deployment across the globe has sparked international debates on privacy and human rights, with Thailand now at the center of such discussions. The Commission's statement underscores a broader narrative of Thailand's complex relationship with surveillance and political dissent. The country has seen its share of internal strife, from military coups to vibrant protests demanding democratic reforms. Activists and political opponents have often found themselves under scrutiny, with allegations of surveillance and harassment not uncommon. The call from the National Human Rights Commission for stringent regulations against unlawful surveillance marks a critical juncture in Thailand's ongoing dialogue on privacy rights and state accountability. As the international community watches, the resolution of this issue may set a precedent for how nations balance national security with the fundamental rights of their citizens.

A Kazakh woman overstaying her visa has been arrested on Koh Samui on charges of offering sex services online.

Police officers from Phuket's Chalong Police Station received a report of a foreign man frequently using knives and an axe to threaten neighbours and the public in Soi Naya, Village No. 1, Rawai Subdistrict, Chalong District, who is deemed dangerous to society and the general public. So they went to inspect on April 5.

An Indian national found overstaying his visa by more than 5 years has been arrested in Bangkok for providing illegal loans with a monthly interest rate of 20%.

Thirty-two gamblers were arrested during a police raid on a gambling den in downtown Muang district of Phuket on Friday, with reports suggesting that a police inspector was among those caught in the act.

Five alleged administrators of a major online gambling network with over 50 million baht in monthly turnover have been arrested in the northern province of Chiang Mai

Bangkok police on Monday arrested members of a youth gang in Nong Chok district on criminal charges including attempted murder, assault and owning and selling illicit drugs and guns.

The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases has sentenced 15 police officers to 1.4-2 years in jail for negligence in the killing of Pol Maj Sivakorn Saibua at the subdistrict headman Praween 'Kamnan Nok' Chankhlai's house in September 2023. Most of the officers who were sentenced to jail were charged with negligence for attending the party at Kamnan Nok's house, failing to stop the killing, and apprehending the suspects after the incident. Some were accused of assisting Kamnan Nok's staff in hiding evidence, including the murder weapon and CCTV footage, cleaning blood splatters before investigators arrived at the scene of the shooting, and aiding the shooter in escaping. In addition to the 15 officers, 3 received a 2-year suspended sentence, and one was acquitted. Three of Kamnan Nok's staff were also sentenced to jail, while 3 received suspended sentences for their role as accomplices in the officers' wrongdoing. The shooter, Thananchai Manmak, who was Kamnan Nok's right-hand man, had already been killed during a shootout with the police in September 2023. The highest-ranking officer sentenced to jail was Pol Maj Kiatisak Somsuk, investigative inspector of Krathum Baen district. Kamnan Nok also received a 2-year jail sentence for his role as an accomplice in the officers' wrongdoing. He was also charged as an accomplice in the murder, with the verdict in his murder case yet to be delivered.

The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases has sentenced 15 policemen and seven civilians to prison in connection with the murder of a highway policeman during a dinner party at the home of an influential kamnan last year.

The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases found 15 police officers guilty of dereliction of duty for failing to help a highway police officer when he was fatally shot in Nakhon Pathom last year.

Two Estonian siblings were arrested and fined at Suvarnabhumi International Airport today after they were found smoking on a flight, despite cabin crew telling them that it is illegal.

Thai police arrested a young British man for destroying property at a 7-Eleven convenience store in the Pathumwan district of Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday at 3am.

Thailand is committed to remaining neutral concerning, what is in effect, a civil war in Myanmar, and will help as required restore peace in the country, said Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara today.

The murder trial of a famous Spanish actor’s son opened Tuesday on a popular Thai tourist island, where he will face charges of killing another foreigner.

Police arrested two Hong Kong men at Siam Paragon on Tuesday evening, saying they sent short messages with fraudulent links to steal money from mobile banking accounts of phone users at Bangkok shopping malls.

Police have arrested two men from Hong Kong with a sophisticated mobile tool for sending fake SMS (short message service) text messages to deceive victims into clicking malicious links.

Dried cannabis is still illegal in the Philippines, so the profit from shipping cannabis from Thailand to Manila is very high.

Police in London are facing public criticism of their slow response to calls from worried friends of a 27-year-old Thai woman who was found stabbed to death in her home in a £4-million property in Westminster.

London’s Metropolitan Police have launched a manhunt for the person who stabbed to death a 27-year-old Hong Kong-Thai woman in her expensive property on the edge of Hyde Park in the capital.

A former illegal overseas migrant worker has been placed on suicide watch after being arrested for killing his 10-year-old daughter at a resort in Uttaradit, the provincial police said on Thursday.

Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the Phuket governor not to allow lobbying in an assault case involving a Swiss man, amid reports that the complainant had been approached about withdrawing her case.

The "SAVING GOOD MAN" operation to take down a gang that produces fraudulent documents for visa applications to New Zealand and other Western countries.

Police and customs officers in Chiang Rai have seized a large quantity of high-tech equipment believed to belong to a transnational call centre scam gang.

Police arrested a man and his wife at their house on Friday on charges of possessing protected animals including snakes and doves without authorisation and selling them online.

Chiang Mai police arrest foreign gang robbing people who played in the Songkran water around the Chiang Mai moat.

An army officer, on his Songkran break visiting his family in the southern province of Pattani, was shot dead by insurgents in front of his family home in Panare district on Saturday.

Theo Bailey, believed to be 31, joined his long-term girlfriend of 10 years Chantal Xerri, 27, for a night out with other travellers on Koh Tao last month.

Authorities are ramping up their crackdown on foreign criminals who arrive in the guise of tourists and use Thailand as their base for committing crimes.

Police are hunting for an East Asian couple who used mobile phones to pull off the distraction theft of a 1-million-baht gold bracelet under the eyes of staff at a prestigious Bangkok mall on Tuesday.

According to police, the Chinese woman and man who stole a diamond and gold bracelet worth 1.04 million baht (28,245 USD) from a downtown Bangkok jewelry store have already left Thailand.

Police investigators sought an Indian man suspected of murdering a Thai woman in a Bangkok hotel before fleeing to Kanchanaburi Province in the western region bordering Myanmar. He was eventually arrested there.

Officials of Traffic Police Division 5 arrested a 46-year-old man after he drove his sports car into the steel barricades of a police checkpoint near the entrance to Soi Ratchadaphisek 31 in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district on Thursday night.

The son of a deputy minister, who crashed his BMW and was arrested for drunk driving, has been sentenced to a 2-month suspended jail term and fined 4,000 baht by the Bangkok North Municipal Court. Additionally, his license has been suspended for 6 months, and he must complete 12 hours of community service. Pol Col Sanya Ubonwirattana, the commander of Prachachuen Police Station, stated that the individual, whose name was not disclosed in the news, confessed to all charges, including drunk driving and failure to cooperate with traffic police officers. Last night, the 46-year-old failed to stop at a police checkpoint near the entrance to Soi Ratchadaphisek 31, attempted to drive through it, and subsequently crashed into steel barriers. Upon stopping, he refused to use a breathalyzer. Consequently, officers administered a non-contact breathalyzer test, which revealed his blood alcohol content to be 183 milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood. Deputy Health Minister Santi Promphat of the Palang Pracharath Party stated that he was unaware of news reports indicating that the 46-year-old driver was his son. Santi said during a TV program that he had just learned of the news when contacted by Channel 3. He clarified that he does not reside with his son and intended to reach out to him later. When asked how he would support his son in this legal matter as a father, he emphasized the importance of respecting the law. Santi also expressed gratitude to the authorities for intervening to prevent his son from continuing to drive.

The son of Deputy Public Health Minister Santi Promphat was slapped with four months in jail and an 8,000 baht fine for driving under the influence, the Office of the Attorney-General said on Friday.

At 2:06 PM, on April 20th, 2024, Pattaya tourist police arrested a transgender person who allegedly threw a glass bottle at a foreign tourist in Soi Buakhao, Pattaya, on April 16th.

Pattaya Tourist Police arrested a Thai female pickpocket who stole from foreign tourists during the Songkran festival celebrations on Walking Street.

Thai police announced on April 19 the arrest of Miss Sandra Christina Marie Diersten, a 45-year-old French woman, on suspicion of leading a group of foreigners in a plot to rob and kidnap the 7-year-old daughter of a wealthy Thai businesswoman.

Chiang Mai police arrested two men yesterday and recovered more than 36 million baht in cash at a condominium room and from two other locations in Muang district.

A drug smuggler was arrested and more than 14 million speed pills were seized in Mae Taeng district in the early hours of Saturday.

Police are searching for the gunman who shot dead a 10 year old girl on a palm plantation in the southern province of Krabi. The girl’s family believes the shooting was motivated by a dispute over land concessions.

A scammer gang threatened and duped a 22-year-old female Chinese student studying in Australia into transferring money, forcing her to go to Thailand and demanding a ransom of 8 million yuan (approximately 32 million baht) from her parents.

Eight police officers have been suspended from duty following allegations of extortion involving the owner of a chicken slaughtering factory in Nakhon Pathom. The suspension came after CCTV footage, obtained by other officers, was presented to their commander, revealing the extortion incident at the police station. The factory owner reported that on March 29, the officers were inspecting migrant workers at the factory and found five workers from Myanmar. These workers were taken to the Sam Khwai Phueak Police Station, where the owner was asked for employment documents. Despite having the necessary documents, the officers demanded further evidence and threatened prosecution. They then demanded 200,000 baht from the owner to avoid pressing charges, initially refused, but later paid 15,000 baht along with her brother. Other officers, disagreeing with these actions, leaked CCTV footage of the extortion to Pol Col Panlop Suriyakul Na Ayutthaya, the deputy chief of the police station. He subsequently presented the evidence to Pol Maj Gen Suwan Chienawinthawat, the station's chief, leading to an investigation and the suspension of the eight officers.

Deputy national police chief Surachate Hakparn on Monday accused Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of malfeasance in having him suspended and said that as a result he was blocked from becoming the next national police chief.

Police have arrested three foreigners — from Canada, Russia and Myanmar — on the southern tourist islands of Koh Phangan and Phuket for working illegally.

A British man was arrested while begging in front of a convenience store on the well-known tourist destination of Koh Phangan.

A British tourist drove onto sidewalk near Kamala Beach. His car became trapped in the sand before police officers arrived to assist and later fined him for driving on the sidewalk without a valid reason.

Surat Thani police officers and the Pa Cha Da Special Operation Unit jointly arrested Mr. Ilan, age 41 years, French nationality at the bar of a hotel in Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province on April 23.

A huge pile of money was displayed at a press conference held on Tuesday at the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau’s (CCIB) headquarters in Muang Thong Thani where cyber police announced the results of “Operation Black Hat,” a crackdown on a criminal network that lured elderly people into investing in cryptocurrency. They seized assets worth 125 million baht.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has resolved to ask the Supreme Court to try two former MPs for breach of ethics while they were lawmakers for holding land meant for landless farmers.

Two Japanese men are prime suspects in the murder and dismemberment of their compatriots whose remains were found in Nonthaburi province last week.

Arrest warrants have been issued for two Japanese men accused of killing a compatriot in Nonthaburi. Police suspect all three have links to a big yakuza syndicate.

The Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) seized additional assets valued at approximately 68 million baht, owned by individuals associated with the busted high-profile online gambling ring operated by Suchanun Sucharitchinsri, also known as the Minnie network.

An arrest warrant has been issued for serial petitioner Sonthiya Sawasdee in connection with a defamation case against former police chief Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, the leader of the Thai Liberal Party. Sereepisuth posted the arrest warrant on his social media page, citing that Sonthiya, the former advisor to the House Committee on Legal Affairs, did not appear for a court summons and is considered a flight risk. His next court summons is scheduled for May 27.

Bangkok Executive Arrested for DUI and Assault on Officer. A senior executive from a prominent global data service company was arrested in Bangkok for driving under the influence. The executive, identified only as Monthisinee, was stopped during a routine check and found to exceed the legal alcohol limit. She resisted arrest, recording the incident and assaulting an officer. This marks her second DUI offense, with a previous incident recorded in 2021. Google Thailand said the executive implicated in an incident involving drunk driving and assaulting a police officer by kicking him in the face has left the company since January 2024. Pol Lt Col Darathon Khajonsin, deputy commander of traffic police region 5, reported that the 51-year-old suspect was arrested after a breathalyzer test revealed her blood alcohol content to be 104 milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood. Initially, she resisted arrest, prompting the police to restrain her with handcuffs. Despite this, she continued to resist while being transferred to the police vehicle, refusing to enter it. Consequently, officers attempted to carry her into the vehicle, during which she kicked Pol Lt Col Darathon on his right cheek. The suspect denied assaulting the police officer, but Pol Lt Col Darathon asserts that there is video evidence of the incident. The suspect has been charged with drunk driving, resisting arrest, and assaulting a police officer on duty. She acknowledged the drunk driving charge but denied the charges of resisting arrest and assaulting an officer. She has been released on bail with a surety of 60,000 baht. The police insisted that they did not use unnecessary force and that they followed regulations when arresting her. They denied earlier reports that she was handcuffed, stating that the arresting officers did not believe the female suspect would attack them. They added that if she had, they would have been able to restrain her without using handcuffs.

Google Thailand issued a letter clarifying that female executive of the world's major cloud service firm in Bangkok, who resisted arrest by yelling & kicking a police officer in the face on Thursday night on a motorway in Suan Luang District, had resigned since Jan 2024. Police asserted that they detained her for the same act at the same location in 2022, where she splashed officers with alcohol. However, police only prosecuted her for drunk driving. At the time, the court ruled and punished her with a two-year suspended sentence.

Park officers said on Sat they arrested a monk & a Buddhist novice on Thurs inside Pa Phu Khiew Wildlife Reserve in Chiyaphum province for illegal hunting. 7 more, including two monks, one novice and four lay people are wanted. One layperson who fled fired at park officers but didn't cause injuries. Weapons were found and officers were first dispatched to the area at 11am when they detected a hotspot.

Two Buddhist monks on Thursday were caught while allegedly hunting wild animals in Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chaiyaphum province, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation said on Friday.

Police have cited force majeure as the reason they did not pursue legal action against an army officer and seven others involved in a crackdown on protesters that led to dozens of deaths in Tak Bai 20 years ago.

Since the two Japanese suspects fled the country, the shocking case of Yakuza gang members coming to kill a member and dismember the body in Thailand remains unsolved.

Officers from the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) and officials from the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) raided illegal Bitcoin mining operations at a vegetarian shelter and a warehouse in Samut Sakhon and Ratchaburi provinces on Friday.

A 32-year-old Chinese national and a 32-year-old Thai national were arrested for fraud and money laundering in connection with a call center gang that possessed more than 70 billion baht in digital assets. According to Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, Chief of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), the Chinese national, who held an elite visa, was responsible for managing digital wallets used to launder the money acquired through the gang's fraudulent activities. The digital assets in these wallets were valued at over 70 billion baht. Five suspects from the gang were initially arrested in November 2023, with two more arrests made today. The Chinese national utilized a Thai individual's identification to hold all the assets and orchestrated a marriage between his wife and a Thai national to secure Thai nationality for their three children. The gang's modus operandi included setting up a fake website resembling that of the CIB to deceive victims of online scams into believing they were dealing with law enforcement, enabling further fraudulent activities. Their schemes ranged from offering fake online jobs, making threats of prosecution as fake CIB officers, promoting fictitious investments in digital assets and stocks, impersonating banks to coax victims into making deposits by falsely claiming their real accounts were at risk of hacking, and posing as officials from electricity authorities and the Comptroller General's Department to make people download applications that could hack their bank accounts. In addition to seizing the digital assets, authorities confiscated over 11 million baht in cash, along with 2 computers, 7 mobile phones, 8 bank accounts, 13 ATM cards, 5 cars, a money counting machine, and various other assets totaling 42 million baht.

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has filed additional charges against Praween 'Kamnan Nok' Chankhlai, a former subdistrict head in Nakhon Pathom's Muang district, in connection with the alleged bid rigging of 19 state projects worth 1.3 billion baht. Praween, who owns a construction company, has already been sentenced to 2 years in jail for his role as an accomplice in the wrongdoing of 15 police officers regarding the death of Pol Maj Sivakorn Saibua at a party in Praween's house in September 2023. He is also charged as an accomplice in the murder of Pol Maj Sivakorn, who was killed by Praween's staff, Thananchai Manmak. Thananchai was later killed during a shootout with the police in Kanchanaburi a day after he shot and killed Pol Maj Sivakorn, an inspector of Highway Police Sub-division 2. The DSI stated that they have sufficient evidence, including a financial trail and credible witnesses, to file the additional charges against Praween. Pol Capt Wissanu Chimtrakul, DSI's Deputy Director-General, mentioned that Praween has denied all charges related to the alleged bid rigging thus far. The DSI is also summoning at least 10 other suspects in the case, starting with those closest to Praween.

Six suspected members of two major call centre scam gangs have been arrested separately with cash and other assets worth about 42 million baht seized. One Chinese suspect managed digital wallets with about 70 billion baht in circulation.