High-profile online gambling case sees 8 police officers reassigned

A high-profile online gambling case involving Suchanun Minnie Sucharitchinsri has led to the temporary reassignment of eight linked officers. National Police Chief Torsak Sukvimol sanctioned the move to prevent any potential interference with the ongoing investigation.

A spokesman for the police, Siriwat Deepo revealed that the order for the transfer was signed by Torsak yesterday, February 24. The transferred officers will be relocated to the Royal Thai Police’s central office, and replacements will be assigned for the duration of the investigation.

The affected officers include Namkiat Theerarotjanaphong from the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Phakphum Phitsamai, Deputy Commander of Investigation of Provincial Police Region 4, and Khemarin Pisamai, Chief of Chanthaburi Immigration Police.

Others are Aris Kuprasertrat, Immigration Chief of Chachoengsao, Kharit Priyakate, Deputy Superintendent of Crime Suppression at Phra Samut Chedi station, Chanont Aumthon, Crime Suppression Inspector at Phra Pradaeng station, Nattawut Watwaew, Patrol Group Commander at the Police Traffic Division, and Apisit Khonyong, Investigation Division Commander at Mueang Chachoengsao station, reported Bangkok Post.

Reports had been received by the Royal Thai Police (RTP), alleging that the eight officers demonstrated inappropriate behaviour towards those aiding the investigation, and had potentially interfered with the ongoing probe. The RTP invoked its authority under Sections 63 and 105 of the Royal Thai Police Act, amongst other regulations, to enact the transfers and bolster the internal affairs department.

In response, the eight implicated officers have petitioned Torsak to move the case from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau to the Department of Special Investigation. They argue that the Department of Special Investigation would provide a more equitable environment.

In related news, Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, Deputy National Police Chief, refuted allegations of his involvement with online gambling networks.

Despite the rumours that have been swirling since early this week, Big Joke clarified that no formal charges have been brought against him following the widely publicised house search conducted last year. Furthermore, he noted that only eight individuals, some of whom are his subordinates, have had their cases forwarded to prosecutors.