Surachate Hakparn Dismissed Following Investigation Into Fraud and Gambling Activities
Thailand has dismissed one of its senior police officers, Surachate Hakparn, after he was implicated in illegal gambling and financial fraud activities. Surachate, who was serving as the deputy police chief, was formally removed from his position on March 11, 2025, according to a police statement.
The high-profile officer, known by the nickname “Big Joke,” became embroiled in a major investigation in 2023, during a series of raids aimed at dismantling an illegal online gambling syndicate called “Betflix.” The network was involved in widespread unlawful betting, and Surachate was accused of money laundering, though he has denied the charges.
As the investigation progressed, Surachate was suspended from duty while authorities probed his connections to the illicit gambling operations. On March 11, the police confirmed his dismissal, citing “disciplinary procedures for officers under investigation.”
In Thailand, gambling is mostly illegal, with the government making continuous efforts to combat underground betting activities, especially those operated by foreign entities. Surachate’s connections to powerful figures in the previous army-aligned administration have added further complexity to the case.
