The former top police officer in Thailand will be the subject of an investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) into allegations of bribery and money laundering related to internet gambling.
According to the Bangkok Post yesterday (17 December), Torsak Sukvimol, popularly known as “Big Tor,” the former head of Thailand’s national police, has been charged with money laundering in connection with the “BNK Master” online gambling network.
Although there are no formal charges against him, Torsak’s longstanding opponent and former deputy police commander Surachate Hakparn, often known as “Big Joke,” is facing similar accusations.
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Allegations originally appeared in 2023
The investigation, which was made public on December 16, came after months of conjecture on wrongdoing by the Royal Thai Police (RTP) and internal strife among top officials.
Both Torsak and Surachate were vying for the position of national chief last year. After being accused of money laundering in connection with internet gambling, which is prohibited in Thailand, Surachate lost favor.
According to the Associated Press, authorities searched Surachate’s residence in Bangkok in September 2023 in search of proof. Surachate lost the top position to Torsak, despite the case never moving forward; he later said the raid, known as Operation Cleaning Day, was a smear campaign.
Srettha Thavisin, the previous prime minister, placed Torsak and Surachate on inactive duty and suspended them in March. A special committee was subsequently established by him to examine the escalating conflicts inside the RTP. In the end, both guys were given their jobs back. In October Torsak left office and was replaced by Kitrat Panphet, the candidate of current prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
The NACC needs more proof before it can formally accuse Surachate, but it thinks it has enough to move forward with the corruption case against Torsak.
Srettha was exonerated of misconduct during appointment.
In related news, Srettha has been exonerated by the NACC of any misconduct in appointing Torsak. Surachate claimed that by selecting Big Tor over Big Joke, the former prime minister had violated the RTP Act.
NACC spokesman Saroj Phuengramphan affirmed that the commission “found no evidence of misconduct or undue influence in the selection process,” according to The Thaiger.
After nominating a cabinet member who had previously served time in prison, Srettha was removed in August. Pichit Chuenban, the appointee, was found guilty of attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials.
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