"Big Tao" revealed that regarding the secret audio clip implicating "Big Joke" in paying a monthly bribe of 100,000 baht to a senior NACC official, if wrongdoing is found, a new case will be opened due to offenses occurring at different times. Meanwhile, another key witness has already met with police.
The case involves Pol. Col. Phakphum Pismay, a former close subordinate of Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, also known as "Big Joke," exposing the misconduct of Pol. Gen. Surachate and five others who bribed NACC commissioners with gold bars totaling 246 baht to influence the handling of an online gambling case under NACC consideration, as previously reported.
On 8 January, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, said that among the six accused, only two have been formally charged so far: Pol. Gen. Surachate and Mr. Sombat Thontham. Others, such as Mr. Surasit, have been initially questioned and authorities are gathering evidence to decide whether to press charges. Some others have been summoned but have not appeared, including Mr. Sorapong and Mr. Surasit. Mr. Samart is reportedly still abroad. Meanwhile, Mr. Akwit Watchawalakun, an NACC commissioner, has not been summoned as he is a senior government official.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat added that several additional key witnesses have been called, whose testimonies have been helpful to the investigation. Regarding the secret audio clip alleging that Pol. Gen. Surachate gave a monthly payment of 100,000 baht to an NACC commissioner, the police are currently verifying facts and gathering evidence. Preliminary proof exists, but more time is needed to confirm details. If wrongdoing is confirmed, the case will be separated into a new one because it involves different offenses at different times.
He also explained that the case file was previously sent to the NACC to clarify their legal approach. If the file returns to the police, they will review whether the other involved individuals will be witnesses or face charges. So far, no one has contacted the police to provide further information.
Reporters noted that while the National Police Office’s investigative team is examining evidence related to the gold bar bribery case, they uncovered important new evidence that could be key to reopening the "unexplained wealth and false asset declaration" investigation against Pol. Gen. Surachate. Previously, this case had been dormant under NACC custody for several years with little progress.
The main reason the investigation team renewed focus on this case was due to a new witness providing information to the Anti-Corruption Police Division on 7 January.
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.