Thai Royal Police Relieves Deputy Chief Due to Accusations of Links to Illicit Gambling Syndicate
Let's dive into the latest twists in the saga of Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn, the former Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police!
Here's the lowdown:
Kicked to the Curb
The disciplinary committee of the Thai Police handed Surachate his walking papers on a Friday, unanimously deciding to can him from his position "without pension." The reason behind this decision? Allegations of Surachate's ties to an illegal online gambling network nicknamed Betflix.
Unveiled in Raids
Surachate's name popped up in police raids to smash Betflix in 2023. According to The Straits Times, these raids laid the groundwork for what followed.
Charged and Dismissed
Thai authorities slapped the ex-cop with money laundering charges and sacked him on Friday, following due disciplinary procedures for police under investigation.
Protesting His Innocence
Surachate has denied the charges of money laundering, but he's been on ice since August, thanks to a royal command demanding his removal from the force.
Bumpy Ride for Thai Law Enforcement
Surachate's ousting comes hot on the heels of the death in prison of a former Thai cop, nicknamed "Joe Ferrari" for his love of supercars, who was serving a life sentence for the brutal murder of a suspect during interrogation.
Promise to the Chinese Leader
The news follows the Thai Prime Minister's commitment to China's leader in February to intensify efforts to combat crimes related to human trafficking. In the same month, combined Sino-Thai political pressure led to over 7,000 victims being freed from a notorious Myanmar gambling and human trafficking scam center.
Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling saga!
Note: Surachate has filed an appeal against his dismissal, and the outcome remains uncertain. There are ongoing allegations of internal conflicts within the Thai Police force, and Surachate continues to perform some official duties, such as facilitating the return of southern Thai residents during Songkran celebrations and securing assurances for the release of 162 detained Thai nationals.
- The former Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, Surachate Hakparn, was fired in 2023, after the Thai Police disciplinary committee found him guilty of ties to an illegal online gambling network known as Betflix.
- Surachate's association with Betflix was revealed during police raids against the network in 2023, as reported by The Straits Times.
- Thai authorities charged Surachate with money laundering and dismissed him from his position in 2023, following the standard procedures for police under investigation.
- Despite the charges, Surachate maintains his innocence and continues to perform some official duties, including facilitating the return of southern Thai residents during the Songkran celebrations and securing the release of 162 detained Thai nationals.
