Police Chief Dismissal Shakes Thai Law Enforcement as Controversy Unfolds
PUBLISHED: August 16, 2024, 20:38
In a significant development for Thai law enforcement, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn has officially been dismissed from the police force, stripping him of aspirations to become the next national police chief. The announcement comes amid an ongoing investigation into serious allegations of misconduct, with the order backdated to April 18.
The dismissal was confirmed in the Royal Gazette, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, and cites violations under the Royal Thai Police Act. This decision bars Pol Gen Surachate from consideration for the upcoming vacancy left by current chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, who is set to retire on September 30.
Pol Gen Surachate’s removal is linked to alleged involvement in an online gambling operation, a matter that is currently under investigation. In June, the Police Commission supported the dismissal in a 12-0 vote.
Subsequently, Surachate appealed the decision to the Police Officers’ Merit System Protection Commission, but it was upheld on August 5 as appropriate and legitimate. He has since filed a complaint with the Supreme Court, where a ruling in his favor could potentially reverse the dismissal and allow him to reinstate his position as deputy national police chief.
The timeline for the Supreme Court’s review remains uncertain, adding an element of unpredictability to an already tense situation. Pol Gen Surachate has expressed concerns of being targeted due to his status as a frontrunner for the chief role, claiming the allegations are part of a larger conspiracy against him.
A rivalry between factions supporting Pol Gen Surachate and Pol Gen Torsak has reportedly intensified, particularly after Torsak’s recent appointment as police chief despite having less seniority. The situation was deemed disruptive enough that it prompted the previous Prime Minister to reassign both generals to inactive roles pending investigation.
The investigation indicated a long-standing factional conflict within the force, but it left the responsibility for any alleged wrongdoing to external authorities. While it recommended the reinstatement of Pol Gen Torsak, it also suggested that Pol Gen Surachate had been treated unjustly regarding the pending investigation.
Despite this, the Police Commission proceeded with the dismissal. Pol Gen Surachate was once viewed as a promising figure within the police department, often at the forefront of notable cases involving various criminal activities.
Identified as a rising star in law enforcement, Surachate’s journey began in Songkhla, and he quickly ascended through the ranks to key positions, including leadership roles in immigration and tourism policing. Notably, he survived an assassination attempt in 2020 when a gunman fired multiple shots at his vehicle, a case that remains unresolved.
As the search for Thailand’s next police chief intensifies, three potential candidates have emerged: Kitrat Phanphet, Thana Chuwong, and Kraiboon Suadsong, all of whom currently hold senior positions in the police hierarchy.
