Bangkok: An investigation has been launched against former National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) official Sombat Thordharm for allegedly colluding in falsifying asset declarations involving General Surachate Hakparn, known as "Big Jok," and his wife. The inquiry is being handled by the NACC investigation committee, which is probing Sombat's alleged involvement in these activities. If found guilty, the case could expand to include other related incidents.
According to Thai News Agency, a news report from the NACC states that the investigating committee began its probe against Sombat Thordhamma, who previously served as a subcommittee member in various public sector and state enterprise corruption investigation bureaus. The committee is examining a 1420-page file from the Anti-Corruption Division of the Royal Thai Police. This file alleges that Sombat, along with Jaturong Panitcharoen and Araya Ngamluang, NACC officials, jointly falsified the asset and liability declarations of Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakparn and his wife. The committee plans to conduct further investigations and will soon offer Sombat an opportunity to provide clarification.
The investigation committee is prepared to submit its findings to the NACC board for a vote if sufficient evidence of wrongdoing is found. The NACC office is meticulously handling related allegations to adhere to the legal deadlines for corruption investigations, as stipulated by the Organic Act on Prevention and Suppression of Corruption B.E. 2561 (2018). Sombat has previously served as an advisor to the NACC and has applied for a commissioner position, which the Senate rejected in September 2023 due to insufficient votes.
In March 2024, Sombat resigned from his position as a subcommittee member for asset verification, following the Anti-Corruption Division's submission of a case file to the NACC regarding his alleged falsification activities. Simultaneously, Sombat assumed a role as an advisor for the NBTC commissioner, despite facing charges from the Anti-Corruption Division. By the end of 2025, the Crime Suppression Division filed charges against him and others, including Pol. Gen. Surachet, for bribery involving a gold transaction linked to an online gambling case.
Further reports indicate that Sombat and Ms. Supa Piyachitti, former NACC members, were previously implicated in corruption allegations within the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) in 1999. The NACC had dismissed these allegations in 2015 due to statutory limitations, despite evidence suggesting wrongdoing. However, this resolution faced internal disagreement, which affected the career progression of some NACC officials. Ms. Supa, also investigated, completed her term without being found guilty.