Thai police suspend eight officers over online gambling probe

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) chief has signed an order to temporarily remove eight close aides of former Police General Surachate Hakparn, better known as Big Joke, from their positions, pending a serious disciplinary investigation related to an online gambling case. National Police Chief Police General Torsak Sukwimol issued the directive yesterday, September 2, appointing an investigation committee to look into the matter.

The officers involved include Police Major General Namkiat Teerarojanapong, Police Colonel Pakpoom Phitsamai, Police Colonel Khemarin Phitsamai, Police Colonel Aris Kuprasitrat, Police Lieutenant Colonel Kritt Pariyakate, Police Major Chanon Aumthong, Police Sergeant Major Nattawut Waddwaew, and Police Sergeant Major. Apisit Konyong.

These officers are accused of serious disciplinary violations connected to an investigation initiated by the RTP on February 15, under order number 93/2024. The investigation stems from allegations involving online gambling platforms offering services such as slots, baccarat, and other casino games without authorisation.

The investigation revealed that the accused were involved in organising and promoting online gambling, as well as engaging in money laundering activities. The police filed a criminal case against them under case number 468/2023 at the Thung Maha Mek Police Station. On September 22, last year, the Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for the eight officers.

“Evidence collected includes records of payments labelled police payments, indicating financial transactions between the accused and Thanyanan Sucharitchinsri or Suchanan Kunlawanttanayothin, also known as Minnie, who is closely linked to Pol. Col. Pakpoom,” investigators stated.

Thanyanan allegedly transferred money to various bank accounts to conceal the transactions. Pol. Col. Pakpoom reportedly provided bank account details to Thanyanan for depositing cash into ATMs, which were then transferred to accounts held by individuals such as Kittichat Papasrobol and Phutthipong Poonsri.

Police suspension

Further investigations revealed that the money transferred to Kittichat’s account was subsequently moved to accounts belonging to Phutthipong, Khanchit Songsaman, Warawut Bangphra, and Pimphilas Kaenman. These accounts are connected to Pol. Lt. Col. Kritt, who managed and used these accounts to transfer funds to the other accused officers, police sources said.

“The transactions are linked to online gambling activities, indicating a pattern of accepting bribes in exchange for protection.”

The incidents occurred between 2022 and 2023, leading to allegations of severe disciplinary violations.

Under the National Police Act of 2022, sections 105, 119, and 179, combined with police regulations on disciplinary investigations, a committee has been formed to investigate the allegations. The committee includes Police Lieutenant General Santi Chainiramai as the chairman, along with several senior officers as members.

In addition to the disciplinary actions, the Royal Thai Police Chief issued order number 437/2024, formally removing the officers from their positions pending the investigation. This action is based on the severity of the criminal charges, which include money laundering and conspiracy, as well as the substantial public interest in the case, reported KhaoSod.

The accused officers have the right to appeal to the Police Civil Service Commission (PCS) within 30 days of receiving the order. They can also file a lawsuit with the Administrative Court within 90 days if they wish to contest the decision.