BANGKOK, THAILAND – A high-level power struggle in Thailand’s police force spilled into the courts as former deputy chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn launched legal action against national police chief Kittirat Phanphet.
Abuse of power case filed at corruption court
On 26 November 2025, former deputy police chief Surachate Hakparn appeared before the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases. He filed a complaint accusing police chief Kittirat Phanphet of abuse of office under Section 157. The allegation centred on a disciplinary committee set up over an alleged examination scandal at Chulalongkorn University.
“I was not even named as a suspect in the case,”
said Surachate, arguing that the establishment of the committee was therefore unlawful.
Parallel defamation suit at South Criminal Court
The legal confrontation unfolded on two fronts. In addition to the abuse-of-power complaint, a defamation case was already pending at the South Criminal Court of Bangkok. Surachate accused Kittirat of defaming him in the media and claimed the remarks damaged his reputation.
“These comments referred directly to the formation of the committee,”
said the former police general, adding that the dispute had now moved fully into the legal arena.
Timing of probe challenged as pressure tactic
A key point of contention was the timing of the disciplinary committee’s creation. According to Surachate, Kittirat acted just before the expiry of the one-year deadline prescribed by police law for completing disciplinary investigations.
“It was a tactical decision to keep putting me under pressure,”
claimed the plaintiff, warning that the probe would immediately resurface if he were reinstated in service.
Claims of unequal treatment among former chiefs
Surachate said he had been treated unfairly compared with former national police chief Torsak Sukwimol. He argued that proceedings in Torsak’s case had not progressed until the statutory period had lapsed, while the investigation against him was actively pushed forward.
“These are inconsistent standards,”
complained the former deputy, calling such unequal treatment unacceptable.
First hearing set as further action prepared
The court acknowledged the sensitivity of the case and scheduled an initial hearing for 23 December 2025. In parallel, Surachate announced that he was preparing additional legal steps.
“I am preparing further lawsuits against other parties involved,”
said the ex-general, as the power struggle within Thailand’s police leadership moved fully into public view.