Big Joke's Lawyer Files Human Rights Complaint Against Police Spokesperson Over Press Conference Releasing Audio Clips
Former Deputy National Police Commander Surachet Hakphaul filed a human rights complaint against the police spokesperson for releasing audio recordings at a press conference in a bribery case, arguing it violated presumption of innocence an
On April 30, 2025, former Deputy National Police Commander Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakphaul assigned his private attorney Sanyaphach Samard to file a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding Police Spokesperson Pol. Col. Trairongg Piwphrn and related police officers involved in a 246-baht gold bribery case. The complaint alleges that the spokesperson's press conference, which included the release of telephone conversation recordings, constitutes public manipulation and judicial interference, thereby violating human rights and human dignity.
Attorney Sanyaphach stated that the complaint has been submitted to both the NHRC and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). He argued that the press conference violated proper legal procedure, as evidence should be presented in court, not on television. He emphasized that the accused maintains the presumption of innocence and that such public exposure could prejudicially affect the case and violate constitutional rights.
The attorney contended that releasing the audio clips was a form of public humiliation and degradation that contradicts the constitutional presumption of innocence. He noted that the investigation file had already been submitted to the Attorney General's Anti-Corruption Division on April 8, 2025, meaning the police spokesperson no longer had authority over the matter at the time of the press conference.
Sanyaphach further argued that proper legal proceedings should follow constitutional protocols and the Anti-Corruption Act B.E. 2561, Section 45, Paragraph 2. He called for the NHRC to investigate whether the police spokesperson's actions violated human rights laws and constitute a breach of their own regulations.
Ms. Pitikanjana Sitthidej of the NHRC confirmed receipt of the complaint and stated that the case will be reviewed according to procedures for alleged human rights violations, noting that the accused still maintains the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.
