Bangkok: Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwpaen, Deputy Inspector-General of the Royal Thai Police, has addressed recent controversies surrounding Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakpal, a former deputy national police chief. The latter had made controversial remarks on a television program, describing the police force as the largest criminal gang, a sentiment Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong personally disagrees with. He emphasized that understanding these comments requires personal judgment and clarified that he has not received any evidence regarding allegations of receiving benefits while serving as commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) or Cyber Police.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong has insisted that any subordinates benefiting from unlawful schemes would face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. He acknowledged his previous role as the head of the PCT 4 police operation team, which was instrumental in dismantling the Minnie gambling network, resulting in the arrest of senior police officers.
When questioned about potential personal grudges influencing the accusations, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong maintained that he has no personal conflicts, attributing his actions to the fulfillment of professional duties. He outlined his relationship with Pol. Gen. Surachet, highlighting their shared background at the Royal Police Cadet Academy, service with the Royal Thai Police, and involvement in the prosecution and arrest of Pol. Gen. Surachet, which led to a committee being formed and his dismissal from service.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong believes that accusers have submitted information to various agencies for investigation, and these investigations have concluded without issue. However, he noted that those who provided information might have found the results unsatisfactory, leading to a refusal to accept the findings. He assured that all agencies are conducting their work professionally.
"There are both good and bad police officers, but one thing the Royal Thai Police has always been about is that they will arrest bad officers when a complaint is filed," stated Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong, underlining that past prosecutions have been based on individual differences in opinion, not double standards.
Regarding the case of Mr. Atchariya Ruangrattanapong, president of the Crime Victims Assistance Association, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong confirmed that the Office of the Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police has initiated a full investigation into allegations that investigators involved in a case concerning a politician in Songkhla Province were engaged in online gambling and failed to submit critical financial evidence. He emphasized that there was no instance of police aiding suspects in escaping wrongdoing.
In instances where Mr. Atchariya's evidence was not included in case files submitted to prosecutors, leading to a decision not to indict, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong stated that all facts must be re-evaluated. Investigators found to have omitted evidence will face criminal and disciplinary action.
Currently, the PCT 4 police have prosecuted three cases related to the politician in question. Two cases, involving gambling and money laundering, are ongoing at Songkhla City Police Station, while a joint gambling case at Hat Yai Police Station has been concluded. Additionally, an online gambling website linked financially to the politician is under investigation in the Phetkasem Police Station area, with evidence being gathered.