Bangkok: No arrest warrant has been issued for Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, widely known as "Big Jok," in connection with the assault case against his subordinate, as the Crime Suppression Division continues to gather evidence. A medical report is anticipated to bring clarity this week. Currently, there is no indication that Pol. Gen. Surachate has left the country.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Nattasak Chaowanasai, Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, disclosed that Pol. Lt. Col. Krit and Pol. Col. Aris, former subordinates of Pol. Gen. Surachate, filed a complaint at the Crime Suppression Division seeking prosecution for assault. Initial evidence, including a medical certificate, has been collected to support the legal proceedings.
The investigating officer is set to interview the doctor to determine whether the medical certificate points to aggravated physical assault. Preliminary findings suggest the assault caused physical and mental harm. The medical certificate implies multiple assaults since 2017, with a single instance deemed severe enough for legal consideration.
Questions arose concerning the impact of medical examination results conducted years ago on the prosecution. Pol. Lt. Gen. Nattasak stated that the statute of limitations would determine the case's viability. As long as it falls within the statute of limitations, prosecution remains an option.
Regarding other individuals close to Pol. Gen. Surachate filing complaints, only two have come forward, and no previous information was available. The police report filed by the complainants, following years of alleged physical assault, is seen as separate from harassment claims. The Crime Suppression Division plans to investigate the assault details, focusing on the severity of injuries before proceeding legally. A summons will be issued if the injuries are not severe, with an arrest warrant being a last resort. The medical opinion is crucial, and the process aims to be fair and efficient, with clarity expected within the week.
Pol. Gen. Surachate's status remains unchanged, with initial coordination with the Royal Thai Police and the Immigration Bureau indicating he has not left the country.
Regarding the prosecution of Pol. Gen. Surachate, the Central Investigation Bureau maintains its commitment to adhering strictly to the facts, regardless of the case's profile. An investigation into a separate gold bribery case involving him is ongoing, with efforts to expedite the process. However, the National Anti-Corruption Commission's consideration of the matter remains pending.