Big Jok’s Lawyer Challenges NACC Decision to Return Case File to Police

Bangkok: Big Jok's lawyer has submitted a petition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) opposing the return of the case file to the police. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sanyaphat Samart, the lawyer for Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakpal, former Deputy National Police Chief, visited the NACC office to file a letter of objection concerning a bribery case involving 246 baht weight of gold. He cited four reasons for his objection and urged the NACC to proceed with the investigation. Mr. Sanyaphat highlighted concerns regarding the origins of the evidence, potential witness coercion, the failure to prosecute Pol. Col. Pakphum Phismay, and questions about the legitimacy of the investigation team. He also expressed worries about the disclosure of investigation details to the media, which might breach laws related to official secrets. He further stated that since the case was submitted to the NACC before the deadline for additional testimony from Pol. Gen. Surachet, the investigation should continue acco rding to the established procedure. He emphasized that the NACC should persist with the investigation until it reaches the public prosecutor's office and the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions. Mr. Sanyaphat argued that returning the case file to the police could result in unfairness to Pol. Gen. Surachet. Despite concerns about potential biases, especially given that one of the accused is a NACC commissioner, Mr. Sanyapat expressed his trust in the Thai justice system and the NACC's adherence to its principles. Pol. Gen. Surachet, who met with Mr. Sanyapat to sign documents, is determined to fight the case. Regarding the questioning of Pol. Col. Pakphum, a close associate of Pol. Gen. Surachet, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, deputy spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, clarified that the decision to question him as a complainant without formal charges was made within the legal framework. This decision followed Supreme Court precedents and was consistent with the inform ation and evidence provided by Pol. Col. Pakphum, which was found credible by the investigating team. The approach aligns with police, prosecutor, and NACC practices, as well as Supreme Court rulings and NACC regulations.