BANGKOK, THAILAND – Former deputy police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn faced a new investigation over alleged abuse of subordinates after two ex-aides filed formal complaints.
New complaints from former aides
Investigators from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) prepared to question additional witnesses and alleged victims after two former adjutants lodged reports with the specialized Crime Suppression Division. According to police, the incidents were said to have occurred between two and eight years ago, but the complainants only came forward this week. CIB deputy chief Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew said a ten-year statute of limitations appeared to apply.
Alleged assault and lasting hearing damage
One complainant, Pol Lt Col Krit Priyakate, accused Surachate of striking him so hard on his left ear on 20 February 2017 that his eardrum ruptured, allegedly causing permanent hearing loss on that side. He said he could no longer hear voices on his left from a distance of three to four metres and relied entirely on his right ear. Jaroonkiat said a 2017 medical certificate existed and could be used as evidence, adding that witnesses were available to the alleged assault, including the moment when the eardrum was damaged.
Psychological harm and possible coercion
The second complainant, Pol Col Aris Kooprasitrat, reported severe psychological abuse over the past two to three years, and a medical evaluation found mental harm serious enough to trigger depression, according to officials. Jaroonkiat said Aris had tried to return to a previous post.
“Pol Col Aris allegedly sought to return to a previous position but was threatened (by Pol Gen Surachate) that doing so would result in his dismissal from service,”
said Jaroonkiat, CIB deputy chief.
Investigators were examining whether this conduct could also constitute criminal coercion.
Next legal steps and Surachate’s response
Under procedure, investigators first had to issue a summons so the accused could formally acknowledge the allegations, which Jaroonkiat said would likely be sent soon. He rejected reports that an arrest warrant had already been issued, saying none had been sought. Pol Gen Surachate said he was aware of the complaints and was consulting his legal team to defend himself, but did not discuss details or whether he believed the accusations were politically motivated.
“I’m not worried and now I’m still in Thailand,”
said Surachate, former deputy police chief.
Existing cases and disciplinary moves
The new probe came on top of several ongoing cases involving the former senior officer. The Supreme Administrative Court had on 9 January of this year rejected his lawsuit against a 2024 dismissal order that removed him from the police. A police disciplinary committee in March 2025 recommended that he be dismissed without pension over alleged links to online gambling, accusations he repeatedly denied as fabrications by internal rivals seeking to block his rise to the top of the force.
Corruption inquiry over alleged gold delivery
The ex-deputy chief also remained under investigation in a separate corruption case. He was accused of ordering the delivery of gold bars worth 16 million baht to a member of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) who had overseen an earlier misconduct case against him.