Former Deputy Police Chief 'Big Joke' Sues Ex-Subordinate for Defamation; Court Accepts Case

The Bangkok South Criminal Court has accepted a defamation lawsuit filed by former Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn, widely known as 'Big Joke', against his former close subordinate, Pol.Col. Pakpoom Pismai. The case stems from interviews given by Pol.Col. Pakpoom to the media, which allegedly suggested that Surachate had assaulted his subordinates. The court, after reviewing statements made by Pol.Col. Pakpoom in three programs – 'Kamkon Khao Khui Nok Jor', 'Thok Mai Thien', and 'Chap Ta Thailand' – found that the content implied an assault on subordinates, including police officers of various ranks. The court noted that these statements distorted facts and falsely accused subordinates. In the 'Thok Mai Thien' and 'Chap Ta Thailand' programs, Pol.Col. Pakpoom specifically identified Pol.Lt.Col. Krit as the subordinate allegedly used to commit wrongdoing and who was subjected to continuous assault. He also stated that he had witnessed such incidents twice. Although Surachate's name was not directly mentioned in the interviews, the court reasoned that given the context of the questions posed by the program hosts and Pol.Col. Pakpoom's responses, viewers and listeners would likely understand that the superior officer being referred to – the one who distorted facts, blamed subordinates, and assaulted them – was indeed Surachate, who has a public persona often referred to by nicknames like 'Big Joke' or 'Ror Joke'. The court concluded that Pol.Col. Pakpoom's statements, regardless of their truthfulness, conveyed the impression that Surachate was a bad person, an unethical superior, someone who blamed his subordinates, and a perpetrator of illegal acts by assaulting them. Such statements are likely to damage Surachate's reputation, leading to contempt or hatred. Based on the evidence presented, the court found that the elements of the defamation charges under Sections 326 and 328 of the Criminal Code were met and deemed sufficient to proceed with the case. The court has scheduled the defendant's arraignment for September 7, 2026. Pol.Col. Pakpoom is required to appear in court on that date and post bail. Source: INN News