Anti-Corruption Office Defends Gold Bribery Investigation
The National Anti-Corruption Commission defended its investigation into a gold bribery case involving senior police official Pol Gen Surajet Hakpal, rejecting allegations that officers exceeded their authority or secretly photographed his h
On August 14, Deputy Secretary-General Kiartisak Putpanthu of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) disclosed progress in a gold bribery case involving Pol Gen Surajet Hakpal, known as Big Joke. An independent investigation committee has been established to examine the facts and evidence, and proceedings are currently ongoing.
Regarding Big Joke's complaint that the NACC may have acted beyond its authority, Putpanthu said he has learned of it only through news reports and remains unaware of specific allegations. He noted that Big Joke has the right to file such complaints.
For the gold bribery case, Putpanthu explained that the independent investigation committee was formed under the NACC's legal authority to examine facts and relevant evidence. All accusations must be evaluated based on evidence and proper investigative procedures.
When asked about the incident at Big Joke's residential community that sparked a dispute, Putpanthu denied allegations that NACC officers secretly photographed the home. He stated that staff members were performing lawful duties by delivering an official letter to the community manager requesting information and evidence for the case. Because the letter needed to be handed directly to the manager and some involved persons had no fixed address, fieldwork was necessary to ensure proper document delivery.
Putpanthu said that during the community visit, staff simply contacted the manager in the normal manner. He acknowledged that misunderstandings may have occurred and other individuals became involved, but emphasized that officers did not secretly photograph the residence as alleged.
Addressing claims that the action may have violated personal rights or exceeded authority, Putpanthu reiterated that NACC staff entered only to deliver a letter and request information from the community manager as part of evidence gathering. Regarding whether criminal complaints have been filed between Big Joke and NACC officers, Putpanthu said it remains unclear.
The NACC reaffirmed that all actions in this case will follow evidence and legal procedure. Individuals involved will be examined according to their level of connection to the allegations, and no action will exceed the evidence presented.
