"Big Joke" appeared in a Facebook post to speak openly for the first time after being prosecuted in a gold bribery case. On 31 Jan, reporters reported that Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, or Big Joke, former Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, came forward in a Facebook live stream under the name "Surachate Hakparn." He personally thanked everyone for their support since being dismissed from service and during his legal battle. He said he spoke out because there were attempts to spread rumors that he had fled the country, firmly denying this and urging people not to create such false narratives. He said he lives a normal life mainly in Bangkok, still residing in the same house that was previously searched, occasionally returning to his home province in Songkhla. People still recognize him and often ask to take photos. He spends his free time on self-improvement and has never stopped. Currently, he plays tennis daily to prepare for an upcoming Thailand tennis competition. He encouraged the public to exercise regularly for good health, emphasizing that health is always his priority since without good health, he cannot serve the people effectively.
The former Deputy Commissioner-General added that regarding the legal battle, many wonder why he has not spoken out like last year. He said he has already spoken a lot and feels saddened that nothing has changed in Thailand, particularly in combating scammers and informal debt crimes. People continue to suffer as before. He said he is unsure why he should speak out since it wouldn't change anything. However, not speaking doesn't mean he is not fighting; he just feels weary. The gold bribery case has been ongoing for two years, and he sees that even law enforcers have conducted unlawful procedures. He questions the point of speaking when even officials have acted improperly. If this were happening to ordinary citizens, the situation would be much worse because those enforcing the law are acting wrongly.
Pol. Gen. Surachate also conveyed to the public that when law enforcers act correctly, he will come forward to share the facts. He said a case's foundation lies in law and facts, but if the law enforcers are still acting improperly, it would be pointless for him to speak the truth. He has appointed lawyers to represent him and affirmed that he is ready to enter the legal process whenever investigators call him. He requested that the proceedings against him be conducted honestly and in accordance with justice, and he will accept the outcome.