Big Joke, involved in the 246-baht gold bar bribery case, is preparing to issue summonses after video clips on a mobile phone and CCTV footage were found, examining the chance that a close subordinate might recant testimony with conditions for reinstatement.
The case began when a complaint was filed against Police Lieutenant Colonel Thanarak Khemkanet, Deputy Investigation Officer of Division 5, Anti-Corruption Police Bureau, to prosecute Police General Surachate Hakparn, former Deputy National Police Chief, and five others. They are suspected of paying bribes totaling 246 baht in gold bars to influence a case under the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s investigation. On 26 Dec, investigators conducted searches at the residences and offices of the accused to gather further evidence, leading Police General Surachate to surrender himself to the Anti-Corruption Police to acknowledge the charges, as previously reported.
Today (30 Dec 2025 GMT+7) at the Central Investigation Bureau headquarters, Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaeo, Deputy Commander, received a report from Anti-Corruption Police investigators that evidence is being gathered to prepare summonses for four more suspects involved in the case: 1. Ekawit Watchawanakul, a National Anti-Corruption Commission board member; 2. Mr. Samart Kongkaew, also known as Edward; 3. Mr. Sorapong Wongsuwan; and 4. Mr. Surasit Paekerd. They will be charged with the same offenses as Police General Surachate and Mr. Sombat Thontham, the first two suspects who previously surrendered to acknowledge charges.
Reports indicate that the investigation team has collected various evidence, including witness testimonies proving the involvement of all accused parties. Key evidence includes mobile phone video clips and CCTV footage capturing vehicles identified as official cars of the National Anti-Corruption Commission board members in use, as well as individuals involved during the delivery of the gold bar bribe, clearly documented.
News reports also state that tomorrow at approximately 11:00, Police General Kittirat Phanphet, National Police Chief, along with the investigation team from related agencies, will hold a press conference to officially clarify details and address public concerns.
Big Joke spoke about his close subordinate who came forward to reveal information: “Personally, I think they may have been influenced by someone else or misled by the idea that they would be reinstated. I just want to ask my subordinate, are you confident you can return to the service? Why act like this? Are you sure you won’t be used as a pawn or abandoned along the way?”
Police Major General Suphisarn Phakdeenaruynat, former Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, analyzed the case process, saying it could turn around because there have been voluntary surrenders and bail requests. Additionally, Big Joke’s former subordinate has partially recanted testimony, leading to disputes within the case. Photographic evidence has been introduced but might have been taken earlier, so it is necessary to verify when the photos were taken and whether the gold numbers correspond to payments or purchases at specific gold shops.
When asked about Big Joke’s claim that his subordinate betrayed him to return to service, Police Major General Suphisarn said it depends on the negotiations behind the scenes, but cooperation is necessary to receive sentence reductions. There is a chance for reinstatement since cases related to financial influence have been dismissed, and if reinstated, they can retain their previous positions.