Thai Police Civil Service Commission Unanimously Validates Temporary Suspension of Police General Surachate Hakparn

National —

At 3:00 PM, on June 26th, 2024, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin presided over a meeting of the Police Civil Service Commission (PCSC). The primary agenda was to evaluate the findings of the Police Civil Service Subcommittee on Disciplinary Actions concerning the legality of the temporary suspension of Pol. Gen. Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn.

The meeting’s decision was highly anticipated as it was to determine if the suspension, initially signed by then-acting Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, is legally valid. If the PCSC endorsed the subcommittee’s recommendation, the suspension would be upheld, allowing Pol. Gen. Surachate to pursue an appeal in the Administrative Court. Conversely, if the PCSC disagrees, the suspension order would be overturned, and Pol. Gen. Surachate will be reinstated retroactively to April 18th, 2024.

It was reported that before the meeting began, Srettha reportedly held a 20-minute private discussion with Pol. Gen. Torsak Sukvimol and other senior officers, according to Thai national media.

During the meeting, Srettha emphasized the importance of addressing key issues within the legal framework of the Royal Thai Police Act, underscoring the necessity for all parties to adhere to legal principles to ensure justice for all involved.

Srettha urged the meeting to uphold the integrity of the police organization by exercising discretion in accordance with the rule of law as mandated by the Constitution and the Royal Thai Police Act of 2022.

The deliberations must be made with honesty, caution, and a commitment to restoring justice for the benefit of the country and the public in line with the relevant laws and regulations, Srettha stated.

This development follows recent remarks by Mr. Wissanu Krea-ngam, the Advisor to the Prime Minister, who addressed the media on June 25th about Pol. Gen. Surachate’s potential legal action against Srettha under Section 157 if he is not fully reinstated.

After nearly three hours of deliberation, Thai national media reported that the PCSC unanimously voted 12-0 in favor of validating the temporary suspension of Pol. Gen. Surachate by Pol. Gen. Kittirat.

Meanwhile, Pol. Gen. Surachate continues to seek justice from the PCSC, which must complete another resolution before presenting it to His Royal Majesty the King for approval.