Big Tao revealed progress in the case of Big Joke assaulting subordinates. Recently, another victim with a ruptured eardrum has come forward, along with one police officer who was assaulted so badly he had to flee. After fleeing, he was ordered to record an absence from duty and was held in jail for five days.
At 14:00 on 30 Jan 2026 GMT+7 at the Central Investigation Bureau headquarters, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy commander, spoke about the case involving Pol. Lt. Col. Krit Priyaket, former deputy investigation chief of Samrong Nuea Police Station, and Pol. Col. Aris Kuprasitrat, former immigration chief of Chachoengsao Province—both close subordinates of former deputy police chief Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn (Big Joke)—who filed assault complaints at the Crime Suppression Division. He said the Central Investigation Bureau chief has already provided details. On Wednesday (28 Jan), about 8-9 of approximately 20 former subordinates of Pol. Gen. Surachate gave statements to investigators. Some did not witness the incidents, some were eyewitnesses, and all testified truthfully. Investigations will clarify who saw what, who heard reports, and who are eyewitnesses. Additionally, another officer with a ruptured eardrum has yet to come forward; investigators will summon him for questioning.
Asked whether the 17 people who complained to the police inspector about assaults and the group involving Pol. Lt. Col. Krit are combined or separate, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat said that among the 17 complainants, about 8-9 have withdrawn or settled, while 7 have not. Therefore, those currently involved are the ones who have not settled. Some who settled joined in giving statements in Pol. Lt. Col. Krit's case. From the 17 complainants, investigators have now reserved Pol. Lt. Col. Krit and Pol. Col. Aris as witnesses.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat confirmed that one police officer was assaulted so severely he had to flee. After fleeing, he was ordered to record an absence from duty and was jailed for five days, resulting in a criminal record. He suggested that assault causing someone to flee and then face such punishment likely constitutes a criminal offense that should be prosecuted accordingly.
Asked whether the doctor treating Pol. Lt. Col. Krit has been questioned, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat said the Central Investigation Bureau chief is expediting the matter and is concerned. He added he cannot disclose details but is aware of these issues, including those related to gold.
When asked if the medical certificate included the cause of injury, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat said the doctor stated the injury resulted from a strong impact and was severe. He added that once the doctor’s testimony is completed, it will be determined whether to file charges or proceed with prosecution against the assailant.
Regarding the fact that Big Joke's lawyer often posts images on social media showing visits to the 16th floor of the Central Investigation Bureau headquarters—the Anti-Corruption Division handling Big Joke’s case—Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat confirmed the lawyer has never met him but often submits legal reference letters to the investigation team. He viewed this as similar to tactics used during Pol. Gen. Thana Chuwong's investigation of the Minnie gambling website case.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat said that whether this constitutes intimidation against officials is under review. Police are examining a similar case of intimidation against prosecutors. The current investigation team remains unfazed and considers these actions as legal warnings intended to instill fear in investigators and persuade them to withdraw from the case, rather than direct threats or harassment.