The President of the Supreme Court appointed a nine-member independent inquiry panel to investigate the facts and provide opinions regarding 'Eakwit' of the National Anti-Corruption Commission allegedly accepting a 246-baht gold bribe linked to 'Big Joke'.
On 26 Feb 2024 GMT+7, reporters noted that Police Colonel Phakphum Pisamai, a former close aide to Police General Surachate Hakparn, also known as 'Big Joke' and former Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, submitted a letter to the President of Parliament requesting that the matter be referred to the Supreme Court. The request was to initiate legal action against Mr. Eakwit Watchawanku, a National Anti-Corruption Commission member, accused of accepting a gold bribe of 246 baht to assist Police General Surachate in an online gambling case.
Subsequently, the Supreme Court issued an announcement on the 'Appointment of an Independent Inquiry Panel,' exercising authority under Section 82 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, alongside the Act on Procedures for Criminal Cases of Political Office Holders B.E. 2560 (2017). According to Section 236 of the Constitution and Sections 49 and 50 of the Act, the President of the Supreme Court must establish an independent panel to investigate the facts and provide opinions regarding allegations that the National Anti-Corruption Commission member engaged in corruption in office, willfully misused power contrary to the Constitution or laws, or seriously violated ethical standards. The panel must consist of no fewer than seven members.
The President of the Senate, acting as the President of Parliament, formally notified the Supreme Court President that there were reasonable grounds to suspect Mr. Eakwit Watchawanku, a National Anti-Corruption Commission member, of the alleged misconduct, prompting the establishment of the independent inquiry panel.
The President of the Supreme Court appointed the independent inquiry panel composed of:
1. Mr. Chawalit Isaradetch
2. Mr. Phedim Phetkrul
3. Mr. Athikom Intuphuti
4. Mr. Sakorn Tangwannawiboon
5. Mr. Adisorn Chaikup
6. Mr. Sanjai Chanphong
7. Professor Phaithit Ekjariyakon
8. Professor Sakda Thanitkul
9. Special Professor Wicha Mahakun