Unforeseen transfer of DSI chief prompts investigation into pork smuggling

The abrupt transfer of Department of Special Investigation (DSI) director-general Police Major Suriya Singhakamol has prompted the House Committee on Agriculture and Cooperatives to seek answers from the government. Pol. Maj. Suriya’s reassignment came into the limelight immediately after he conducted a search related to the smuggling of pork at the CP Axtra Plc headquarters, previously known as Siam Makro.

Sakdinai Numnu, a Move Forward Party MP for Trat and the committee chairman, expressed that the unexpected transfer has stirred a lot of questions and the committee plans to uncover the truth behind it. The committee is also interested in learning more about the DSI’s ongoing investigation into the pork smuggling issue, which is reportedly responsible for the downfall of numerous pig farmers due to depressingly low pork prices.

A Cabinet minister, identified only by the initial P, is rumoured to be a significant player in the pork smuggling network. Sakdinai expressed hopes that the committee could unveil the identity of this individual as he believes the DSI now possesses the necessary evidence.

The government’s silence on why Pol. Maj. Suriya’s transfer to the role of deputy permanent secretary for justice was approved by the Cabinet and has left the public awaiting an explanation from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Sakdinai urged the 61 year old Thai prime minister to clarify if he truly wants the DSI to take the pork smuggling investigation seriously, and to explain the real issue at hand.

The Customs Department, the Fisheries Department, and the Livestock Development Department will also be questioned regarding this matter, as stated by Sakdinai.

Former senator Rosana Tositrakul voiced her concern over the credibility of the government, which she believes has plummeted following the DSI chief’s transfer. She stated on Facebook that the move suggested the government’s lack of courage to confront those suspected in the pork probe, believed to include a politician, financiers, and high-ranking civil servants.

Pork smuggling

Despite the DSI chief’s transfer, the investigation team, led by Pol. Maj. Natapol Ditsayatham, will continue its probe into the pork smuggling network. The team’s plan to search Ek-Chai Distribution System Co, the operator of Lotus’s retail stores, is still on track. Meanwhile, Makro has been granted a month to produce documents to defend itself against allegations of its association with detained pork suppliers.

Pol. Maj. Natapol Ditsayatham disclosed that a significant number of civil servants and politicians were involved in the network. He also revealed the discovery of a new group of suspects involved in smuggling other frozen products including fish, and plastic polymers.

The group has reportedly made billions of baht from the illegal import of several thousand containers of such unlawful products.