‘Pol. Gen. Sarawut’ revealed that he has summoned 5-6 more witnesses for questioning, confirming that the results of the serious disciplinary investigation of ‘Big Joke’ will be completed within the 270-day timeframe. If the results are negative, he will be dismissed or removed. He emphasized that this committee is neutral, similar to a football referee.
Pol. Gen. Sarawut Karnphanich, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police (Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police) as the Chairman of the Serious Disciplinary Investigation Committee, traveled to the Crime Suppression Division to hold a meeting to follow up on the progress of the case in which Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakpal, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, and five others were accused of committing serious disciplinary offenses.
Pol. Gen. Sarawut said that today he came to follow up on the progress of the committee, which has been working since receiving the order on April 22, 2024. After that, there is a period of 1
5 days to collect and inform the accused of the charges within 15 days. Then, on May 16, 2024, they began collecting evidence from the accuser’s witnesses, who have questioned many witnesses. Because performing this duty must adhere to the rules and laws and be fair. If we compare this mission to being a referee for a football match between the Thai national team and the Vietnamese national team, it means that all Thai people and Thai society are watching. As a referee, I must show neutrality and be as fair as possible in this game.
Pol. Gen. Sarawut said that the investigation and collection of evidence of the accuser was completed, but it turned out that the accused came to provide additional information and referred to 5-6 more witnesses. This committee must be fair and must therefore question more witnesses. After the investigation is complete, they will summarize, collect evidence, and discuss how to press charges. It may be positive or negative, but it is not yet known. This committee has a total perio
d of 270 days. After May 16, 2024, there will be a period of 60 days. The investigation is not yet complete, so an extension request has been made to the National Police Commissioner (NPC) for another 60 days, which will be completed on September 12, 2024. There is still the right to request an extension of another 60 days, but the entire process must be within the 270-day timeframe.
When asked whether Pol. Gen. Surachet had never traveled there, did he cooperate? Pol. Gen. Sarawut said that he cooperated because it was his right to come in or to provide a statement in a document. The results could be both positive and negative. If it was negative, it meant that we had charged him with committing an offense as the committee had a duty. After that, it was his right to file a complaint or not. If the results were negative, the punishment would be dismissal or expulsion. It depended on the committee’s consideration. There were 2 issues.
As for whether the results of the other committees that have already made
resolutions will pressure the work of this committee, Pol. Gen. Sarawut said that he thinks that they are different matters and different duties. There is no pressure at all. However, he has written a letter to inquire about the results of the decision to all relevant parties in order to ensure fairness and the utmost thoroughness.
Source: Thai News Agency