13-11-2024 (BANGKOK) Thailand’s Supreme Administrative Court has delivered a decisive ruling against former deputy police chief Pol General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, effectively ending his bid to return to the Royal Thai Police force.
In a significant majority decision, the court voted 49-5 to uphold the legitimacy of Surachate’s dismissal, with three judges reportedly abstaining. The ruling validates the actions of all three defendants: the Royal Thai Police commissioner-general, the police merit protection committee, and the prime minister in their capacity as Police Commission chairperson.
The high-profile case, filed on August 27, warranted the attention of the court’s full bench of 57 judges, who were assisted by a specially appointed panel of five judge advocates. While the voting results have been informally announced, the court has yet to release its official written judgment.
Surachate’s dismissal stemmed from money laundering allegations connecting him to the BNKMaster online gambling operation, though the criminal proceedings remain pending. He had contested his April 18 termination, arguing that the national police chief’s decision had caused him significant harm.
Prior to his dismissal, Surachate had sought remedy through the police merit protection committee, which rejected his appeal on August 5, determining that the national police chief’s order fell within legal parameters. The Police Commission, under the prime minister’s chairmanship, subsequently endorsed this decision.
Earlier speculation suggesting that judge advocates had recommended Surachate’s reinstatement remains unverified, with sources suggesting these reports may have originated from his supporters. With this ruling, Surachate’s legal avenues for returning to police service appear to have been exhausted.
