23-3-2024 (BANGKOK) Authorities are considering obtaining an arrest warrant against deputy national police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn if he fails to respond to a summons issued for the second time on Friday. The summons was delivered to his home addresses and current workplace.
The move comes after investigators uncovered a link between Pol Gen Surachate’s financial transactions and BNK Master, an online gambling network that was dismantled last year. Three other officers and a civilian have already been apprehended in connection with the case.
Thung Song Hong and Tao Poon police initially served the summons to Pol Gen Surachate’s residence in Soi Vibhavadi Rangsit 60 on Thursday, requiring him to appear at Metropolitan Police Division 2 to address a charge related to money laundering. However, there was no response as Pol Gen Surachate was reportedly on a family vacation at the time.
Subsequently, the summons was reissued on Friday, this time to his residences in Vibhavadi Rangsit and Songkhla, as well as his workplace at the Office of the Prime Minister’s Permanent Secretary. He is demanded to acknowledge the charge at Metropolitan Police Division 2 next Tuesday, failing which authorities will consider issuing an arrest warrant, police stated.
Pol Gen Surachate, speaking to the media via phone, informed national police chief Torsak Sukvimol and Teerapong Wongsiwawilas, permanent secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, about his annual leave. He is scheduled to return from the United Kingdom on April 1.
In response to the recent developments, Pol Gen Kittirat Phanphet, acting national police chief, assured the media that the police force maintains solidarity and does not discriminate among its ranks, despite the transfers of Pol Gen Torsak and Pol Gen Surachate to inactive positions at the PM’s office.
