30-9-2023 (BANGKOK) Law enforcement authorities are urging a thorough and transparent investigation into the activities of Suchanun Sucharitchinsri, known as Minnie, who is under suspicion of running online gambling websites allegedly linked to senior police officers, including a close associate of Deputy Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn.
At the headquarters of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phewphan, the head of the Legal and Litigation Office of RTP and the leader of the Police Cyber Taskforce Unit 4 (PCT4), has convened a meeting with a working team to establish guidelines for advancing the case.
Prior to the meeting, Pol Lt Gen Trairong addressed reporters, emphasizing that all pertinent information has been meticulously documented and reiterating the commitment of law enforcement personnel to uphold the rule of law.
This call for a meeting follows a public statement by Ms. Suchanun, a 25-year-old single mother with a 5-year-old child. On Thursday night, she spoke to the press to refute allegations made by the police. She had been arrested on July 30 and subsequently granted bail.
Ms. Suchanun vehemently denied any involvement in the operation of online gambling websites. She claimed that she had been coerced by a member of the PCT4 into confessing to a crime she had not committed.
Furthermore, she alleged that she had been pressured into framing Pol Col Phakphum Phitsamai, the deputy chief investigator of Provincial Police Region 4 and a close associate of Pol Gen Surachate.
Recent media coverage has featured photographs and a video in which Ms. Suchanun is seen alongside three other individuals, engaging in karaoke and socializing with Pol Gen Surachate. However, she categorically denied having any personal acquaintance with Pol Gen Surachate, often referred to as “Big Joke.”
According to Ms. Suchanun, she had been invited to social gatherings by Pol Col Phakphum on several occasions. Some images portrayed her sitting on his lap or affectionately pecking his cheek. She stated that her association with Pol Col Phakphum commenced in 2020 when he was stationed in Loei. Although aware of his marital status, she acknowledged having been in a relationship with him for a certain period.
Additionally, Ms. Suchanun disclosed her knowledge of Pol Col Khemarin, a younger sibling of Pol Col Phakphum. She had sought his advice in matters related to labor immigration. Both Pol Col Phakphum and Pol Col Khemarin are among the eight officers suspected of being involved in an illegal online gambling ring.
As this complex case unfolds, the demand for a meticulous, transparent investigation remains at the forefront, ensuring justice is served and the truth is unveiled.
