Bangkok: Pol. Col. Pakphum appeared to listen to the lawyer of "Big Jok" (Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn) give a statement refuting the audio clip controversy in the gold bribery case. The lawyer insisted it was a private statement and announced that no one else would be allowed to attend, as he is a direct party to the case and there was no need to rush to report to his superiors.
According to Thai News Agency, at the Hilton Bangkok Grande Asoke hotel, Mr. Sanyapat Samart, the lawyer for Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakparn, or "Big Jok," former Deputy National Police Chief, held a press conference to refute the audio clip in the gold bribery case, after police released the clip in connection with the 246-baht gold bribery case.
Mr. Sanyaphat questioned whether the press conference regarding the bribery case held by the National Police Office spokesperson and the Central Investigation Bureau team had received permission from the National Police Chief. He noted that the police are currently clarifying details related to the case, including the possibility of individuals who were masterminds, accomplices, or supporters in the gold bribery case but were not charged and were instead designated as witnesses. He also addressed the National Anti-Corruption Commission's (NACC) investigative authority and the release of audio clips, such as those alleging influence, bribery, and secret money laundering deals. Mr. Sanyaphat further stated that the use of media to violate the rights of suspects or those making headlines should cease.
Prior to the press conference, Pol. Col. Pakphum Phisamai, or "Nung," a former right-hand man of Big Jok and an opposing party who implicated Big Jok in the gold bribery case, arrived at the press conference room, stating that he wanted to hear the explanation of the case as well. However, he ultimately decided to listen to the press conference online from the hotel lobby.
Mr. Sanyaphat stated that this was a private press conference by Pol. Gen. Surachet, and only members of the press were invited. Furthermore, Pol. Gen. Surachet had instructed that anyone residing in the room today would be formally asked to leave. He added that if his statement violated any laws, legal action could be taken, therefore there was no need to rush to report to his superior.
He reiterated that the reason for the delayed press conference was to allow the hotel to clear things up with unrelated individuals, as the purpose and objectives of their presence were unknown. If their visit was intended to disrupt the press conference or, even worse, to create problems, it would reflect poorly on the event.