Big Tao confirmed that the case involving two close associates of Big Joke, who reported physical assault causing a ruptured eardrum and mental abuse leading to depression, is still within the statute of limitations. Authorities are expected to issue summonses and expand the investigation to additional victims. Meanwhile, Big Joke said he is aware of the situation, is consulting with his legal team, is not worried, and is currently still in Thailand.
At 10:30 a.m. on 21 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, spoke by phone with reporters regarding Police Lieutenant Colonel Kris and Police Colonel Aris, two close associates of Big Joke, Police General Surachate Hakparn, former Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, filing complaints against Big Joke for physical and psychological abuse. He said the complaints stem from long-suppressed pressure and abuse inflicted on Big Joke’s subordinates, who finally had an opportunity to come forward.
Police Major General Jaroonkiat added that Police Lieutenant Colonel Kris was slapped, resulting in a ruptured eardrum that caused hearing loss in his left ear; he cannot hear speech from 3–4 meters away and must use his right ear to listen closely. This is considered a serious injury. The case has a 10-year statute of limitations. Regarding Police Colonel Aris, medical evaluation concluded he was mentally abused to the point of depression over the past 2–3 years. Both men have filed complaints of physical and psychological abuse. It is expected that additional charges may be filed soon.
Regarding concerns that the medical certificate dates back to 2017, Police Major General Jaroonkiat confirmed the case’s statute of limitations is 10 years and has not expired. There are multiple witnesses to the repeated assaults that caused the ruptured eardrum. Further investigation into Big Joke’s subordinates will follow, as there is information about several others being abused, such as Police Major Chanon, who reportedly was assaulted by Big Joke according to Police Colonel Pakpoom Pismai. Chanon has not yet provided statements as he is still working for Big Joke.
Police Major General Jaroonkiat also mentioned that Police Colonel Aris requested to return to his previous official position but was threatened with dismissal if he did so. This matter requires examination to determine whether it constitutes unlawful detention or coercion.
The Deputy Commander of the Crime Suppression Division further stated that the process requires issuing summonses to the accused to acknowledge the charges, expected soon. Regarding rumors about arrest warrants, he confirmed none have been issued yet. The medical certificate from 2017 remains valid as evidence with no expiration. If necessary, further medical examinations will be conducted. On the progress of Big Joke’s gold bribery case, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is currently onboarding new committee members who are expediting assignments. The bribery case is expected to be discussed internally within 1–2 days. Afterwards, it remains to be seen whether the NACC will return the case files to the police or handle the investigation themselves.
Currently, the police have not yet questioned additional witnesses regarding the gold bribery case. However, if the NACC returns the case files, the police will promptly summon and question multiple new witnesses.
Reporters obtained information from a senior source within the Crime Suppression Division stating that no summonses or arrest warrants have been issued yet, as all witnesses must be thoroughly questioned first. Today, plans will be made on how to manage the case files and decide which individuals to summon for further questioning. The procedure requires questioning eyewitnesses and medical experts. Although the medical certificate dates back to 2017, it remains admissible evidence. The statute of limitations still has two years remaining.
Regarding rumors about issuing arrest warrants, the source said this is a routine case, not a serious crime, so there is no need to rush to issue arrest warrants.
When asked if there is pressure in handling the case since the accused are high-ranking officers, the source responded that there is no pressure; investigations proceed based on evidence. The police must verify whether the accused actually committed the offenses or are innocent. Everything is confirmed to be conducted within the legal framework, with no fear whatsoever.
Meanwhile, Police General Surachate Hakparn, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, told reporters by phone that he is fully aware of the situation and is currently consulting with his legal team to defend the case. He declined to provide further details. When asked whether the incident is a personal attack, Big Joke also declined to comment on this matter, reaffirming that he is not worried and remains in Thailand.