Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol is set to be reinstated following an investigation that cleared him and his rival, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, of any wrongdoing, according to Wissanu Krea-ngam, a special advisor to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who announced the findings today.
A fact-finding committee chaired by Chatchai Promlert, former permanent secretary of the interior, concluded that neither Torsak nor Surachate was guilty of misconduct. However, the committee found that their personal conflicts over handling several high-profile cases had caused significant division within the police force. This investigation, which lasted about four months, revealed the complexity of the discord between the two senior officers.
On March 20, Torsak and Surachate were transferred from the Royal Thai Police to the Prime Minister’s Office by order of the prime minister, pending the investigation’s outcome. On the same day, an order was issued by the acting police chief to investigate Surachate, which was followed by another order removing him from the police force.
Wissanu Krea-ngam stated that Surachate’s removal was not legitimate, as such actions must be recommended by an investigative panel. The Council of State unanimously ruled that Surachate’s dismissal was wrongful, depriving him of rights and duties such as his salary, the use of a car, and promotion opportunities. The Council recommended that the secretariat of the PM’s Office correct this error while seeking Royal approval for the dismissal.
Surachate’s petition for justice is currently pending with the Police Good Governance Protection Committee. Wissanu expressed optimism that the internal conflicts within the Royal Thai Police would subside following the Chatchai panel’s findings. He assured that the investigation was thorough and transparent, with no attempts at a cover-up.
Regarding ongoing cases with the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Criminal Court, Wissanu indicated that Torsak and Surachate would need to address these issues independently.
In attendance at the news conference were numerous officials and representatives from various government agencies, underscoring the significance of this announcement for the Royal Thai Police and the broader public.
