High drama and riveting turns of fate often walk hand in hand within the corridors of power, and few tales exemplify this as vividly as the career saga of Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, once an influential deputy police chief in Thailand. The police force’s disciplinary committee recently cast a unanimous vote to dismiss Surachate, putting a decisive twist on a career marked by both accolade and controversy. The dismissal, tied to accusations of his involvement in an online gambling syndicate, marks a notable fall from grace for a man who was once the radiant star of the law enforcement arena in Thailand.
The firing decision now sits on the desk of Thailand’s national police chief, Pol Gen Kittharat Punpetch, awaiting final approval. With this dismissal, Surachate would not only lose his position but also forfeit his pension — a steep price for a man whose entire career revolved around service within the police ranks.
Surachate, learning of the decision through local media channels, expressed his surprise, stating his intent to review the report before considering an appeal. This prolonged friction traces back to last year when a royal command, spurred by recommendations from the Police Commission, led to his suspension. A subsequent ruling by the Supreme Administrative Court further affirmed the legality of his removal.
In a tense meeting chaired by Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Kraibun Thuadsong, amidst the attendance of other deputy chiefs, the committee scrutinized and concluded — sans the presence of Inspector-General Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneela — that Surachate’s removal was warranted. At the heart of this turmoil is the BNK Master gambling network, for which Surachate and his associates stand accused of funneling illicit funds. Yet, Surachate steadfastly denies these allegations, slamming them as malicious fabrications plotted by competitive factions deep within the force.
The intricate web of internal conflicts came to a head in late 2023. A notable skirmish between Surachate and Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, a relatively junior officer who leapfrogged into the chief position, cast a shadow over the force. The appointment of Pol Gen Torsak, closely tied to powerful figures including his brother, ACM Satitpong Sukvimol, intensified the discord. The tumult prompted then-Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in March 2024 to temporarily reassign both generals to inactive roles, pending the outcome of a broader investigation.
A subsequent report highlighted the age-old factional divides and suggested reinstating Pol Gen Torsak, while simultaneously acknowledging that Surachate faced an unjust dismissal amidst the swirling investigations. Undeterred, the Police Commission upheld its dismissal order, edging Surachate ever closer to an enforced exit.
Yet, looking back, it’s impossible to ignore the shimmer of Surachate’s ascension. Dubbed a rising star, Surachate frequently captured headlines, from nabbing immigration offenders to putting the brakes on illegal motorcycle racing. Fueled by charisma and an uncanny knack for promotion, he embodied the archetype of a dashing law-enforcement official.
Born in 1970 in Songkhla, the son of a policeman, Surachate’s ascent through the ranks was swift. He commanded respect — and a local station — before steering the 191 Task Force in Bangkok. His stellar trajectory continued into the Tourist Police and eventually the prestigious post at the Immigration Bureau, underscoring an inherently dramatic and high-stakes career.
Yet even as destiny seemed aligned, it wasn’t without shadows. In 2020, his Lexus was riddled with bullets, signaling potentially dire entanglements linked to the Immigration Bureau’s troubled biometric screening system procurement. That incident, unresolved to date, saw senior officers axed over leaked investigations urging silence.
With the National Anti-Corruption Commission eyeing charges against other high-level officers — linked to the very same biometric debacle — it appears Surachate’s narrative may still unravel beyond today. The saga of ‘Big Joke’ is one of charisma, caprice, and cautionary tales — an intricate dance with destiny in a backdrop of relentless intrigue.
Surachate’s downfall is emblematic of the deep-rooted corruption in Thai politics. No one gets to that level without dirty hands.
It’s not just about corruption. Sometimes power shifts are purely political vendettas. Surachate could just be the scapegoat here.
Scapegoat or not, if you’re connected to an online gambling syndicate, there’s no denying some accountability.
Alex, that’s a bit too cynical. Why judge him guilty before all the facts are out? Everyone deserves a fair trial.
So the police who are supposed to enforce the law are the ones breaking it? Where does it end?
Surachate has always been a polarizing figure. He’s either a hero for some or a crook for others. It’s a matter of perspective.
Well, if he was such a hero, why haven’t we seen anyone rally to defend him seriously?
Nina, sometimes silence speaks louder than words. The police force might be too afraid of internal backlash.
I just find it bizarre how suddenly Surachate’s clean persona is being ripped apart. What about his impressive track record?
A track record can easily be tarnished when ulterior motives kick in. He might’ve rubbed the wrong people the wrong way.
True, but it doesn’t erase what he accomplished through the years.
It’s a pity to see the consequences of rivalries within the government being paid for by citizens.
People should remember Surachate also worked hard in curbing corruption and crime. But that doesn’t fit the current narrative, does it?
When you’re part of the system long enough, it’s impossible not to have some dirt on you. The same applies to him.
Jordan, but does that mean none of the good he did counts? It’s too one-dimensional to dismiss his efforts entirely.
This news is just lavish storytelling. Drama sells but doesn’t necessarily reflect truth.
A high-profile rise and fall like this isn’t new. Look at history. Power is a game.
Surachate’s story feels like a Shakespearean tragedy playing out in real life.
I feel this is an orchestration to divert public attention from bigger governance issues. Classic move!
Surachate’s father’s legacy in law enforcement can’t be ignored either. Think about how this impacts family dynamics overall.
Could this be any more Hollywood-esque? Crime, power, downfall! What’s next, a redemption arc?
Real life isn’t always like a movie. Sometimes there’s just a fall with no redemption.
Why focus just on Surachate? We’re ignoring the structural corruption eating away at the police as a whole.
Were there any other potential motives behind the sudden change and Surachate’s dismissal? There’s always more beneath the surface.
Thailand’s police system should be unbiased, but that’s obviously not the current reality.
Reform is tough when everyone seeks to hold onto their power. This situation screams for an overhaul.
I’m not convinced Surachate is completely clean, but this feels like a power struggle more than justice being served.
Surachate’s charisma might have been his downfall. In certain circles, your allies can quickly become your enemies.
Every time I read updates like this I think about the families behind these people. Their lives are intertwined with these events in very real ways.