"Big Joke" has sent a lawyer to file a lawsuit against "Big Tao" for misconduct, alleging that investigators exceeded their authority in the gold bribery case. The court accepted the complaint and ordered a review hearing on 17 Feb 2026 GMT+7 at 09:00.
At the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases at 10:20 on 22 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Sanyaphat Samart, lawyer authorized by Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, former Deputy Police Chief, filed a lawsuit against Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, Pol. Maj. Gen. Prasong Chalermpan, Commander of the Anti-Corruption Division, and the investigative team. They are charged with misconduct or neglect of duty causing damage or corruption, under Criminal Code Section 157.
Mr. Sanyaphat stated that on 21 Jan 2026 GMT+7, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) resolved to return the investigation file concerning the Central Investigation Bureau’s complaint against Pol. Gen. Surachate regarding bribery to a state official (an NACC commissioner) for assistance in the case. The file was returned to investigators to proceed according to the Anti-Corruption Act B.E. 2561 (2018), Section 61, paragraph two, and to carry out proper legal steps.
Mr. Sanyaphat said the investigative team did not have the authority to proceed with the case independently, nor did the NACC. Therefore, their actions exceeded their jurisdiction, violating legal principles and causing damage to Pol. Gen. Surachate. The court has accepted the complaint and scheduled a review hearing on 17 Feb 2026 GMT+7 at 09:00.
Mr. Sanyaphat explained that although the allegations involve state officials and others who are not NACC commissioners, the accusations describe conduct related to supporting or providing assets to NACC commissioners to improperly influence their duties. This constitutes related offenses that must be handled simultaneously.
He added that according to the 2017 Constitution Section 236 and the 2018 NACC Act Section 45, paragraph one, the law specifies a special process for investigating NACC commissioners. If a commissioner is accused of corruption or serious ethical violations, only a member of the House of Representatives, the Senate, or 20,000 citizens can file a complaint to the Speaker of Parliament. If the Speaker finds reasonable suspicion, the case is forwarded to the Supreme Court President to establish an independent investigation committee under the Political Office Holders Criminal Procedure Act.
Mr. Sanyaphat stated that based on these legal reasons, under Sections 28(2), 30, and 45 of the 2018 NACC Act, related offenses must be prosecuted together. The authority to investigate this matter lies with the Parliament Speaker to appoint an independent investigation committee. He emphasized that proceedings must begin at Parliament from the start.
Mr. Sanyaphat said he does not see the NACC's recent decision as an initial victory but rather believes he understands the justice system's procedures better. He questioned why officials tried to manage everything themselves. He recalled that when Pol. Gen. Surachate reported for questioning, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat immediately tried to press charges and fingerprint him, despite objections questioning if the police had such authority.
Regarding the complaint filed by Pol. Lt. Col. Krit Priyaket, a close officer and former subordinate of Pol. Gen. Surachate, accusing him of assault causing bodily or mental harm, Mr. Sanyaphat said he had known the former deputy police chief for less than a month when he began working for him. During that time, he frequently met Pol. Lt. Col. Krit, who coordinated evidence exchanges between Mr. Sanyaphat and Pol. Gen. Surachate. He confirmed that Pol. Gen. Surachate has evidence proving he did not assault Pol. Lt. Col. Krit as alleged.
At the end of the press conference, the lawyer revealed chat history with Pol. Lt. Col. Krit, showing he acted as a middleman delivering various case evidence. Their last message exchange was on 18 Dec 2025 GMT+7, and they had also met in person subsequently.