Bangkok: Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwpaen, Assistant Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police and Deputy Inspector-General, announced his intention to pursue legal action against Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakpal, known as “Big Joke,” for allegedly defaming the police by claiming they are “the country’s largest criminal gang.” He refuted these allegations at a press conference, asserting that they are false and supported by clear evidence.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong has been implicated in several cases, including one involving Chanonpat, a Songkhla MP from the Kla Tham Party. He denied any wrongdoing or assistance to the suspect, noting ongoing prosecutions in areas such as Songkhla, Hat Yai, and Phetkasem by police from PCT 4.
In the “Boss Tal” case, accused of slow processing, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong highlighted a year-long investigation leading to the suspect’s arrest and prosecution, culminating in a prison sentence. The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has also ordered asset seizures and continued civil proceedings.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong addressed the “Minnie” and “BNK Master” gambling website cases, where Pol. Gen. Surachet is named as the accused. He emphasized that arrest warrants have been issued for multiple individuals, expanding the investigation to gambling networks in the Northeast, resulting in additional arrests under the Online Gambling Act and the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
In the case involving “Provincial Administrative Organization Member Golf,” linked to assaults on officials and online gambling, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong stated that dozens of suspects are involved. Investigators have forwarded the case file to the Special Prosecutor.
Regarding accusations of aiding online gambling websites during his tenure as Cyber Police Commissioner, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong denied the claims. He reported over 2,000 gambling-related arrests, asset seizures exceeding 300 million baht, and the blocking of more than 140,000 gambling website URLs during that period.
He explained his choice of the “Baan Phra Athit” press conference location, citing admiration for Mr. Sonthi Limthongkul’s dedication to uncovering the truth and denying any political motives behind the choice.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong addressed the stereotype of the police as a criminal organization, stating it demotivates honest officers. Over the past three years, more than 5,000 police officers have faced disciplinary actions, with over 900 dismissed or fired, highlighting the Royal Thai Police’s commitment to rooting out wrongdoers.
“I am open to criticism, but when falsehoods are repeated and the facts are not heard, I must exercise my legal rights to protect my reputation and that of the Royal Thai Police,” Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong stated.