21-3-2024 (BANGKOK) Thailand’s national police leadership has been thrown into turmoil after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin suspended the country’s top cop and one of his deputies on Wednesday amid explosive allegations of links to an illegal online gambling syndicate. The temporary transfers have fueled concerns over a potential power struggle engulfing the graft-tainted law enforcement ranks.
National Police Chief Torsak Sukvimol, appointed just last October, and his deputy Surachate Hakparn were both abruptly relieved of duties and reassigned to inactive positions within the Prime Minister’s Office pending an investigation. This move comes as Surachate stands accused of involvement with illicit online gambling websites – charges he vehemently denies.
The controversy was sparked last September when Surachate’s Bangkok residence was dramatically raided by police in an operation targeting a major underground online betting network. Eight of his subordinates were arrested that day, though Surachate avoided immediate detention despite being considered a frontrunner to become the next national police chief at the time. Torsak secured that coveted role just days after the raid.
Thailand’s national police force has long battled internal power plays and systemic corruption allegations plaguing all echelons. As such, Srettha announced the formation of a special committee to probe the high-stakes affair, stating the suspensions aimed to ensure an unimpeded inquiry rather than serve as punitive measures. He indicated the orders could potentially be lifted after 60 days.
Hours before news broke of their transfers, Torsak and Surachate presented a united front at the Prime Minister’s Office, jointly denying any personal rift. However, Jaroonkiat Pankaew of the Central Investigation Bureau last month accused Surachate of abuse of power, bribery, and potential money laundering after financial trails allegedly linked him to bank accounts operated by the gambling websites.
Through legal representatives, Surachate has staunchly professed his innocence, alleging the claims aimed to discredit him while accusing other senior officers of accepting bribes from the gambling syndicates.
As the high-level probe commences and Thailand’s embattled police hierarchy faces intensifying scrutiny, concerns mount over whether the suspensions herald the beginning of a tumultuous internal reckoning – or merely the latest chapter in the force’s long-running challenges with criminality within its ranks.
