"Big Tao" reaffirmed that the case against "Big Joke" has been sent to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), but witnesses are still allowed to give statements. He noted that submitting the case quickly was to avoid accusations. Meanwhile, Pol. Col. Phakphum opened up again, expressing a desire for Big Joke to act as a gentleman and come forward to tell the truth.
At 10:30 a.m. on 7 Jan 2026 GMT+7, in front of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) building, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, gave an update following the submission of the case against Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, former deputy national police chief or "Big Joke," accused of bribing NACC commissioners, stating that the case file is now with the NACC. It is unclear whether the NACC will return the case to the police. Currently, if any witnesses or anyone wishes to submit documents, they will be accepted and forwarded to the NACC. Those wishing to give testimony can do so, and the statements will be sent to the NACC along with any additional evidence obtained. He confirmed that the police are continuously working on the case.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat added that the police can only wait at this stage but have already gathered initial evidence and related documents, which have been forwarded to the NACC. The reason for the quick submission is due to the sensitive nature of the case involving senior NACC officials. According to police procedure, they must proceed cautiously and await the NACC's guidance on the next steps, to avoid accusations that the police lack authority. The NACC is currently reviewing and will provide detailed responses, as this type of case involving high-ranking NACC officers is unprecedented.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat stated that if Big Joke wishes to provide additional testimony or submit further evidence to the police, they are willing to investigate and forward all details to the NACC. He emphasized readiness to ensure fairness for all parties involved.
When asked if Big Joke has been silent, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat said that although Big Joke has been quiet recently, he did send a New Year's gift once. Since yesterday, there has been no contact, but if he wishes to reach out, it would likely be through the investigators or the CSD commander. So far, there is no report of any contact from him.
"Regarding other witnesses in the case, as far as I know, they are likely to come forward with facts since they all served under the former superior and have worked together for a long time. Today, everyone must show courage to speak the truth so society can be informed. Only the truth will help them escape further proceedings. Ultimately, whether they are guilty, receive reduced sentences, or are protected as witnesses, the police will consider and ensure fairness for all parties. There is no need to fear; the police have no bias against anyone. We want to assure confidence," Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat said.
When asked about the NACC's decision to relieve the accused NACC commissioners of their duties overseeing the 1st Office of Government Anti-Corruption Investigation and the 1st Office of Government Assets and State Enterprise Inspection, which are responsible for the case, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat said the police opposed it, but the NACC committee agreed and rearranged the positions. He believes this is beneficial for the investigation. Regarding the case files, he trusts the knowledgeable and respected NACC commissioners, as many police officers have worked with them before. The police have confidence in the NACC's work. Therefore, this is a matter of individuals, ensuring that the NACC’s anti-corruption agency remains a reliable institution for the public.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat further said that whether more clips will be released depends on the superiors, as this matter is under the command of the Royal Thai Police. They have only received the case file. Therefore, any further statements or clips will come from the police headquarters. The investigation team is not pressured and wants the public to know that the events shown in yesterday’s clip are real, to avoid suspicion of manipulation. They must accept the courage of Pol. Col. Phakphum, who is considered a senior officer and a key operative. He bravely speaks the truth.
"To clarify rumors about someone almost contemplating suicide, it is not Pol. Col. Phakphum’s father but the officer himself, who has been under great stress. Big Joke created all these issues; he is not involved, but it affected his family, who are also police officers. This has caused Pol. Col. Phakphum distress and discomfort. He feels his family has suffered, leading to such thoughts. It’s not his parents but himself. Today, he has decided to confront the truth. Even if he faces prosecution or imprisonment, he is ready to accept it. We must acknowledge Pol. Col. Phakphum’s strong heart; he is a gentleman and admirable," Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat said.
Regarding the recent post by Pol. Lt. Col. Khemrin, Pol. Col. Phakphum’s younger brother, listing 10 truths about his relationship with Big Joke, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat said, "That concerns individual witnesses. We have questioned everyone who comes forward. It is better to let him speak. If I spoke, it might not be the full truth. I believe what he says will be more exciting than what I could say, as they have been together a long time."
Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat also commented on Big Joke’s complaint filing against him at Phaholyothin Police Station, saying it is normal to face such matters. No charges have been filed yet as it is still under investigation. The police have gathered initial evidence and forwarded the matter to the NACC, considering it serious. If the NACC returns the case, further witness questioning will be conducted to determine Pol. Col. Phakphum’s involvement or guilt. If guilty, charges will be filed with no exceptions. Whether he will be protected as a witness depends on the investigation team and cannot be decided unilaterally. The police are pursuing evidence without leaving traces but are fortunate to have witnesses close to the events. This evidence is crucial but must be combined with scientific evidence and consistency to be strong. For instance, the gold’s origin, recipients, vehicle ownership, and eyewitnesses from that day must all be verified.
"He never leaves evidence, even during arrests; orders are given only. Therefore, all investigation reports are detailed. We must thoroughly examine everything he has done. He operates in this way—without leaving traces or identity. Sometimes, I wonder if we are chasing ghosts," Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat said.
Later, a reporter phoned Pol. Col. Phakphum Phismai, a former close subordinate of Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, who clarified that the lawyer’s remarks yesterday pertained to the same case involving the online gambling site 'Minny.' In that case, Pol. Gen. Surachate is also accused. This case is separate from the one where Pol. Col. Phakphum is a witness regarding gold and unrelated to the Minny case. He did not understand the lawyer’s implication that the cases are connected.
Pol. Col. Phakphum said he believes the statements were intended to undermine his morale, focusing on his family. Rumors were spread that his wife fled abroad, while in fact, his wife surrendered herself to authorities in 2023. His superior’s comments align with information operations attacking him, but he is unfazed, understanding the personality and behavior involved. However, he considers the tactics dirty. He added that he had just met the new lawyers recently.
Pol. Col. Phakphum also questioned why one of the six accused who reported being abducted and had their house searched in Surat Thani Province chose to file a complaint at Buppharam Police Station instead of the local police station. He suggested this might be because a police officer linked to the former superior transferred from another station that previously handled the former superior’s cases.
Pol. Col. Phakphum further stated that on the day gold bars were delivered to the Southern Association, the clip shown at the press conference was recorded by his team member inside the same vehicle. The vehicle that followed was theirs to gather evidence. He confirmed he does not personally know Mr. S but that Mr. S acted as an intermediary between Pol. Gen. Surachate, himself, and the NACC commissioners, since neither he nor the commissioners directly contacted Pol. Gen. Surachate anymore. There are more details than disclosed at the press conference but cannot be revealed.
Regarding the reason for recording audio, Pol. Col. Phakphum said he began to suspect a setup to make him take responsibility, so he recorded it as evidence that such events occurred. He and Mr. S planned to betray Pol. Gen. Surachate, but after the incident, he ceased contact with Mr. S. He also intends to file a complaint against the NACC commissioner who accused him falsely, even though that commissioner is well aware of the details.
Pol. Col. Phakphum said the case is nearing conclusion, with several subordinates having provided statements to the police. He wants Pol. Gen. Surachate to come forward and tell the truth, as what he did harmed close subordinates and families, causing widespread distress. He admitted he has lost faith in the former superior, emphasizing that a leader should at least be responsible for himself. This is a matter of human decency. He hopes that once, the former superior will show gentlemanly conduct, and now is the right time.
Pol. Col. Phakphum also expressed willingness to appear on any program, provided he is accompanied by the six accused. If they are unwilling to face him, he is happy to phone in to prove the truth.
Additionally, there is a recorded conversation between Pol. Col. Phakphum Phismai, former close subordinate of Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, who is accused of bribing NACC officials with 246 baht worth of gold bars to influence an ongoing investigation, and Mr. Sombat Thontham, a NACC subcommittee member, discussing the matter.