Police Release Video Detailing Search and Interrogation Procedures in “Big Jok” Bribery Case

Bangkok: Police officials released a video explaining the results of a search related to the "Big Jok" bribery case. Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, Deputy Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police, affirmed that officers acted lawfully, emphasizing that witnesses were questioned voluntarily and there was no rush to proceed before the Supreme Administrative Court's ruling on the dismissal of Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakpal, or "Big Jok." According to Thai News Agency, the search was conducted in Surat Thani Province concerning allegations against Pol. Gen. Surachet, accused of bribing a National Anti-Corruption Commission member. Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong addressed misleading news reports that could confuse the public, explaining that the operation adhered to legal procedures. A 3-minute video from a 3-hour recording was shown to clarify the events. During the search, officers followed protocol, including reading the search warrant and informing Mr. Surachet of the corruption and bribery allegations. Mr. Surachet w as present during the search and voluntarily accompanied officers to Tha Chang Police Station. He spent 13 hours at the station, as evidenced in the video, interacting with his girlfriend and forensic officers collecting electronic evidence. Discrepancies between initial and subsequent testimonies were noted, with initial statements generally deemed more credible. Mr. Surasit's complaint at Buppharam Police Station, alleging misconduct by officers under the Enforced Disappearance Act, claimed the search was wrongly tied to a drug case. Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong confirmed the search warrant allowed for the discovery of other illegal items and viewed Mr. Surasit's complaint as an attempt to deflect blame. Mr. Surasit's relaxed demeanor during questioning was noted, and his testimony, aligning with existing evidence, led to no charges against him. In the gold bribery case, charges were initially filed against Pol. Gen. Surachet and Mr. Sombat Thordharm, with evidence submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Comm ission. Despite rumors of Pol. Gen. Surachet fleeing the country, there is no confirmation. Regardless of the Supreme Administrative Court's decision, Pol. Gen. Surachet remains dismissed from service, and his appeal to the Administrative Court is unlikely to alter the dismissal order.