The National Police spokesperson rebutted "Big Joke's" lawyer, affirming that the audio clip concerning the gold bribery case is genuine. It has been scientifically verified, and "Samart" is the person who recorded and handed it over himself, with readiness to prove this in court.
On 22 April 2026 at the National Police Headquarters, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwpan, spokesperson for the National Police Office, gave an interview clarifying issues arising from the case where Mr. Sanyaphatchara Samart, lawyer for former National Police Deputy Commissioner Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, held a press conference disputing facts about an audio clip alleged to be connected to a 246-baht gold bribery case. The lawyer claimed that the audio clip disclosed by the National Police might have been altered using artificial intelligence (AI) software.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong firmly confirmed that the audio clip presented during the 18 April press conference had undergone thorough scientific verification according to standards and is considered legally obtained evidence in all respects.
Regarding the lawyer’s question about whether permission to disclose the audio clip was granted by the National Police Chief, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, the spokesperson explained that as the appointed spokesperson for the National Police Office, he has the authority and responsibility to clarify information of public and media interest. This implies the Police Chief has assigned and authorized him to perform this duty.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong also updated on the case progress and the status of Mr. Samart following concerns about the suspect’s disappearance. He explained the case originated when Pol. Col. Phakphum Pismay brought evidence to file a complaint. The first accused held a position as a member of an independent organization, placing the case under the jurisdiction of an independent inquiry committee appointed by the Supreme Court President.
Other accused individuals without such status fall under the jurisdiction of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), which assigned investigators to examine five persons including Pol. Gen. Surachate and Mr. Samart. The investigation resulted in indicting four suspects and not indicting one—Mr. Samart. All case files have been forwarded to the public prosecutor.
The police spokesperson further explained by comparing this case to one involving both minors and adults committing offenses, requiring separate prosecution files according to individual status. He reaffirmed that the police acted within the legal framework, and any disputes regarding investigative authority can be contested by the accused in court.
Regarding doubts about the involvement of Pol. Col. Phakphum and Mr. Samart, the spokesperson said that criminal liability depends primarily on intent. Pol. Col. Phakphum initiated bringing evidence to file the case, while Mr. Samart, alleged to have delivered the gold, was able to present evidence convincing investigators he lacked intent to participate in the offense, leading to a decision not to indict him.
Furthermore, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong revealed a key fact about the audio clip’s origin: Mr. Samart personally delivered the audio clip to investigators, meaning he himself recorded the conversation.
He concluded regarding accusations of AI voice manipulation that electronic evidence undergoes precise verification procedures and cannot be dismissed based on personal opinion. He invited the media to compare the AI-generated clip produced by the lawyer with the police’s audio clip to discern the difference themselves, emphasizing that if the accused have doubts, they may contest them in court according to due process.
Regarding the dissemination of information about the gold bribery case on social media, some of which the National Police view as misleading or deviating from facts, a caution was issued to the public to be careful when sharing such information or making comments that could harm individuals or parties involved.
As for Facebook pages or groups created to spread information on social media targeting the National Police Office, authorities will collect evidence and proceed with appropriate actions.