Lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd to deliver data on alleged police bribery
A prominent Thai lawyer is set to deliver critical data regarding alleged bribery allegations, which involve online gambling networks and the national police chief, Torsak Sukvimol, along with his spouse, to the Move Forward Party (MFP) today.
The secretary-general of the Foundation of People’s Lawyers, Sittra Biabungkerd, had previously submitted similar documents related to the case to the national police’s Anti-Corruption Division the day before.
Sittra confirmed to the press that he has engaged with Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, the deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, urging him to probe into a suspicious financial transaction that potentially involves high-ranking police officers, from colonels to generals.
On the agenda today is a meeting with MFP leader, Chaithawat Tulathon, in Parliament to review the case and ascertain if the matter can be broached during a general debate scheduled for April 3 and 4.
Sittra also indicated plans to lodge a report with Tao Poon police, accusing Pol Gen Torsak, his wife, and two purported mule account owners of money laundering.
The lawyer pointed out that suspicions arose following the unearthing of a link between Pol Sen Sgt Maj Apichart Suwanphet and Pol. Lt. Col. Surakun Thansiridamrong, who are close associates of the national police chief, and the gambling networks.
When asked about Pol. Gen. Torsak’s decision to withdraw a defamation lawsuit against him, Sittra commented that they might be apprehensive that I will request some significant documents.
“They opted to drop the charge, hence, I will not be able to request any document through the court.
“It is their right to drop the lawsuit. I will proceed with my plan to file a complaint with the police and appeal to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to promptly address the corruption.”
Sittra insisted that there are no clandestine deals and that everything will follow the planned course, reported Bangkok Post.
This case garnered public interest after Sittra conducted a press conference last Tuesday, claiming he could associate the national police chief and his close aides with a gambling network. He also uploaded a photograph of Pol. Gen. Torsak visiting a monk at a temple in Chachoengsao on December 17, 2022, alleging that the chief had donated substantial funds from a mule account.