"Big Tao" confirms solid evidence in the case where "Big Joke" is accused of bribing the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) with gold and prepares a major briefing on 5 January.
On 31 Dec 2025, Police Major Generals Jaroonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, and Prasong Chalermpun, Commander of the Anti-Corruption Division, held a press conference to update the investigation into allegations that government officials were involved in receiving benefits and bribing the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
Police Major General Jaroonkiat stated that the investigation revealed that Police General Surachate Hakparn, former Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, is accused of ordering the delivery of gold bars weighing a total of 246 baht to a NACC commissioner responsible for handling his case.
Regarding the evidence, the investigative team has collected CCTV footage, audio recordings, photographs, and documentary evidence from interviews with involved parties, including government officials and business operators. They confirmed the evidence is reasonably connected and sufficiently strong to proceed with prosecution, despite the fact that the accused often avoided direct involvement by using intermediaries.
The Deputy Commander clarified that the witnesses did not come forward due to police coercion but voluntarily gave information because they had been threatened and physically assaulted. There is evidence of threats involving a firearm pointed at victims’ heads. Investigators have obtained medical documents confirming injuries to support the investigation.
Further investigation uncovered links to a university professor specializing in social media, who serves as a public image advisor to Police General Surachate. Authorities are examining this individual's connection to the suspects in the gold case, including any involvement in disseminating discrediting information against opponents. If clear evidence of wrongdoing is found, legal action will follow.
Police Major General Jaroonkiat said that investigators have issued summonses to three civilian suspects; two have acknowledged the charges, including Police General Surachate Hakparn and a person named Sombat (surname withheld). For accused individuals holding positions in independent organizations such as the NACC, there are specific legal procedures. Once the police complete evidence gathering, the case file will be sent to the NACC for consideration to forward to the Speaker of Parliament and the President of the Supreme Court to establish an independent investigative committee as prescribed by law.
The Royal Thai Police emphasized their commitment to applying the law fairly and equally. An official press conference summarizing key details of the case will be held on 5 January 2026, with senior police officials personally presenting the information.
When asked about comparisons of legal standards between Police General Surachate and former Commissioner General Tor Saksukwimon, Police Major General Jaroonkiat stated that the Royal Thai Police enforces the law impartially without harassment or targeting anyone, whether ordinary citizens or senior officials.