Big Tao, Pol.Maj.Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, revealed that the final straw and key factor leading Pol.Col. Pakpoom to come forward as a witness exposing “Big Joke” was his father, an alumnus of Police Cadet Class 25, who could no longer endure the police organization being attacked. Additionally, he was stressed by the negative news damaging the family’s reputation.
On 6 Jan 2026 GMT+7, at the second-floor conference room of the Crime Suppression Division, Central Investigation Bureau, Pol.Lt.Gen. Trairong Phiwpan, Deputy Secretary of the National Police, Pol.Maj.Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, Pol.Maj.Gen. Prasong Chalermpan, Commander of the Anti-Corruption Division, and Pol.Maj.Gen. Siriwat Deepho, Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division 1 and Deputy Police Spokesperson, held a press conference to clarify facts regarding the case of a former senior police officer involved in bribery with gold bars totaling 246 baht.
Pol.Maj.Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew added that this prosecution is not an attempt to “knock down” or target Pol.Gen. Surachate for anyone’s personal gain but is a call for justice for the Royal Thai Police and the public. He emphasized that police work is based on evidence and facts, not personal conflicts or logic. All obtained evidence, both original and supplementary, benefits the case and other ongoing investigations. Investigators have interviewed witnesses from multiple incidents and times, finding consistent evidence.
Pol.Maj.Gen. Jaroonkiat likened the case to “catching a ghost” because the accused attempted to act without leaving traces, requiring clear, careful, and thorough evidence. Authorities conducted a crime scene reenactment using the same car model involved, finding four people inside, including an NACC commissioner and Pol.Col. Pakpoom, who clearly described sight lines and details inside the vehicle consistent with seized video and audio clips. All officers involved are dedicated, some under pressure and loyal to their commanders, enduring and following orders. However, when they saw injustice and attempts to shift blame to subordinates as shown in the clips, it affected their morale, family, and police dignity, causing despair for some. He asked society to understand that the witnesses are not exposing secrets but presenting the truth to restore the police organization’s image.
Pol.Maj.Gen. Jaroonkiat addressed Pol.Col. Pakpoom’s case, explaining that he has not been charged yet due to the existence of evidence, clips, and testimonies beneficial to the case. There are times and circumstances that require careful consideration. He reiterated that the case has been submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission and is under review. If any wrongdoing is found, charges will be filed without hesitation.
At the end, Pol.Maj.Gen. Jaroonkiat revealed that a key factor motivating Pol.Col. Pakpoom to testify was the pressure his family endured, especially his father, a Police Cadet Class 25 alumnus who deeply loves the police organization. The distress caused by negative news damaging the family’s reputation was the “final straw” that led Pol.Col. Pakpoom to provide all evidence to investigators. He concluded that this disclosure is like opening the door for junior police officers long suppressed for decades to seek justice. He affirmed that everything will follow legal procedures, with guilt or innocence proven through the justice system, not personal feelings or biases.