Serial petitioner Srisuwan Janya has been arrested for allegedly extorting three million baht from the Director General of the Rice Department in exchange for not exposing him. Natthakit Khongthip, Director General of the Rice Department, accused Srisuwan, Yoswarit "Jeng Dokjik" Chuklom, and Pimnattha Jiraputthiphak of working together to extort money from him in exchange for not exposing alleged corruptions in the project aimed at helping farmers reduce rice production costs. Yoswarit was a former co-leader of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship who switched political sides to join the pro-junta Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party. Pimnattha is a former candidate for the party as well. Both Yoswarit and Pimnattha have been appointed as members of the government's working group in Region 11 by Deputy Prime Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, who is the leader of the party. Natthakit denied all corruption allegations but admitted to paying the three suspects 1.4 million baht after negotiating it down from the 3 million baht demand to 1.5 million baht to avoid tarnishing his reputation and to capture them on video during the payment. He then arranged to make the rest of the payment later. Natthakit then submitted the video evidence which led to the arrest warrants against the three suspects and the sting operation resulting in Srisuwan's arrest today. According to news reports, the sting operation was carried out at Srisuwan's house in Pathum Thani, where he was awaiting the delivery of another 500,000 baht payment. Once the police had identified themselves, Srisuwan allegedly threw the money to the side of his house, but the police were able to retrieve it. Following Srisuwan's arrest, Pirapan contacted the police, stating that he would bring Yoswarit and Pimnattha to turn themselves in together, according to news reports. They are expected to surrender at Nang Loeng Police Station.

Srisuwan Janya, the country’s most prolific petitioner, has been arrested on a charge that he and two others tried to extort money from a senior civil servant in exchange for dropping a corruption allegation against him.

Well-known serial petitioner Srisuwan Janya has been taken into police custody on an extortion charge, after he and two associates allegedly demanded 1.5 million baht from the director-general of the Rice Department in exchange for dropping his plan to lodge a complaint of alleged corruption against the official.

Serial petitioner Srisuwan Janya, who is facing an extortion charge, is claiming that he is being set up because he might have “stepped on somebody’s toe” in his relentless crusade against corruption in government bureaucracy.

Prolific petitioner Srisuwan Janya and Yoswaris Chuklom, who were arrested in a sting on Friday on charges of attempting to extort a senior civil servant, have been released on bail after undergoing almost nine hours of police questioning.

The police have told political activist Srisuwan Janya and two government politicians that they have 15 days to provide documents to defend themselves against accusations of extorting money from the Rice Department (RC) chief.

The alleged extortion gang of anti-corruption complainant Srisuwan Janya is bigger than initially thought, has many targets and includes a mastermind, according to the Central Investigation Bureau.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin instructed Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao to investigate allegations of corruption within the ministry's projects aimed at assisting rice farmers, said Government Spokesperson Chai Watcharong. The directive follows the arrest of serial petitioner Srisuwan Janya on charges of extorting money from Natthakit Khongthip, Director General of the Rice Department. Srisuwan allegedly demanded a payment of 3 million baht in exchange for not exposing alleged corruption within the aforementioned projects. Yoswarit "Jeng Dokjik" Chuklom, a former co-leader of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, who switched political allegiance to support the pro-junta Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party in a previous election campaign, and Pimnattha Jiraputthiphak, a former candidate for the party, were also implicated in the case against Srisuwan. Thammanat informed reporters that Natthakit is a victim and he has been in discussion with the Director General of the Rice Department since the alleged extortion began. He stated that the investigation into the alleged extortion began after he recommended that Natthakit seek legal advice and communicate with relevant authorities. Thammanat asserted that the initial investigation indicated no corruption within the projects designed to aid rice farmers. In addition to the extortion against Natthakit, Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, revealed that similar extortion attempts had occurred against officials in other agencies. The extorted amount could potentially reach the 100 million baht mark. One of the officials potentially targeted by the suspects is Suphit Phithaktham, the Director-General of the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation. The police are currently investigating this matter, as stated by Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat. Further investigation has uncovered the involvement of additional suspects beyond the initial three, including an individual who gave orders to the three suspects, stated Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat. However, he did not disclose whether this individual is a politician or not. Thammanat affirmed today that there is sufficient reason to examine the extortion against Suphit, echoing Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat's earlier suggestion.

Two more suspects in the extortion case, which involved serial petitioner Srisuwan Janya and Director General of the Rice Department Natthakit Khongthip, were arrested today, while Yoswarit 'Jeng Dokjik' Chuklom admitted that the extortion actually took place but he had nothing to do with it. Srisuwan, Yoswarit, and Pimnattha Jiraputthiphak were accused of working together to extort 3 million baht from Natthakit. Srisuwan was arrested in a sting operation last Friday while allegedly waiting for a part of the payment worth 500,000 baht. Yoswarit, who helped Ruam Thai Sang Chart with their 2023 election campaign and was appointed as a member of a government working group by Deputy Prime Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, was arrested at the Government House. Natthakit, a former candidate for the party, had turned herself in on the same day. All three denied all wrongdoings, and they were granted bail. The two new suspects today are linked to Yoswarit, including Ekkarak 'Ek Pak Nam' Warechon and another close associate. Yoswarit held a press conference today, swearing that he never extorted money from anyone and claiming that he was framed. He also claimed that he helped Natthakit by negotiating for the extortion money to come down to 1.5 million baht instead of 3 million baht. "I was actually helping him; if I wanted to extort him, the extortion money would have been more than this, but I actually negotiated for the extortion money to come down so that both sides can be satisfied," he said. He also threatened to sue state officials and people who criticized him.

The Parliament's Committee on Budgeting Study and Budget Administration Follow-up is investigating the Rice Department and the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation for possible corruption in their projects. This includes irregularities in the 15 billion baht eco-friendly rice project, a significant increase in the budget for the National Day of Rice, and irregularities in the bidding process for two planes in the royal rainmaking project. The investigation stems from allegations of corruption within the projects aimed at helping farmers reduce production costs and implementing measures related to rice variants. These allegations originated from a case involving the arrest of serial petitioner Srisuwan Janya, who is accused of extorting 3 million baht from the Director-General of the Rice Department, Natthakit Khongthip. Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, also stated on Tuesday that similar extortion attempts had occurred against officials in other agencies. The extorted amount could potentially reach the 100 million baht mark. One of the officials potentially targeted by the suspects is Suphit Phithaktham, the Director-General of the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation. The Parliament's Committee on Budgeting Study and Budget Administration Follow-up announced today that they are now looking into corruption allegations in both departments. This includes irregularities in the 15 billion baht eco-friendly rice project under the BCG model, the suspicious increase in the budget for the National Day of Rice from 5 million to 15 million, and the allegation of corruption in the bidding process for two planes worth 1.18 billion baht within the royal rainmaking project.

Thai society was shocked when well-known serial petitioner Srisuwan Janya, who has been a thorn in the flesh of the powers that be for years, was arrested on January 28 on an extortion charge.

Four Russian gamblers were arrested while playing poker at a luxury villa in Muang district.

A German national who stole 86,000 baht in cash from a counter at a hotel in Patong and smiled at a security camera before fleeing in the early hours of Thursday has now been arrested.

A Swiss man is under pressure after locals in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, suspect him of being the cause of his Thai wife's disappearance.

Divers began searching a lake on Sunday for a Thai woman missing since a quarrel with her Swiss husband three weeks ago at their home in Khon Buri district.

Members of a dissident Russian rock band critical of the war in Ukraine are facing possible deportation home from Thailand after they were arrested in the resort island of Phuket for working without a permit, several officials told Reuters on Monday.

A visiting dissident rock band that has been critical of Moscow’s war in Ukraine and whose members were arrested last week in Thailand might face deportation to Russia, according to human rights advocates and fans on Monday.

A police captain in the northeastern province of Yasothon has been charged with raping a schoolgirl he had arrested for riding a motorcycle to school without a helmet and licence.

The Criminal Court has acquitted Myanmar tycoon Tun Min Latt, a son-in-law of Senator Upakit Pachirangkun and three others of drug trafficking, money laundering and other charges, saying the evidence gathered by police was insufficient to show wrongdoing.

A man was hit in the leg by a stray bullet while sitting in his vehicle in a Bangkok car park on Monday night. Police subsequently arrested the driver of another vehicle who admitted his gun "accidentally discharged".

Four suspects, including a 15-year-old boy, have been arrested in connection with the Jan 10 robbery of a gold shop at a shopping mall in Chaiya district of this southern province.

A 50-year-old police captain in Yasothon has reportedly admitted to raping a 17-year-old girl and has been suspended from duty.

Police from the Anti-Corruption Division on Thursday arrested two more suspects related to the alleged attempt to extort 1.5 million baht from the Rice Department chief.

A shooting incident at a North Pattaya traffic light intersection early Wednesday morning left one person dead. The victim, identified as Mr. Panya Khayanngan, 39, an entertainment establishment guard in Pattaya, was shot multiple times while waiting at the traffic light.

Phetchaburi police chief Pol Col Wanchai Khao-rum said on Thurs police is looking for suspect gunman who shot and killed a vendor three days ago. The 30-year-old suspect is believed to be a nephew of a police general but Wanchai insists he won't be treated differently.

The Department of Special Investigation on Thursday raided 27 spots in Ranong province including houses of alleged mafia, money launderers and loan sharks. The DSI has arrest warrant for 18 people. They will hold a press conference later today.

Police are questioning four Russian men suspected of abducting a Russian couple on this southern tourist island and forcing them to transfer 30 million baht worth of cryptocurrency.

Police senior sergeant major Sompong (family name not revealed) was arrested aft he drove under the influence of alcohol & seriously injured a 12-yr-old teenager when the victim was dragged by his pickup truck for 300 metres & fled yest, only to be arrested. Ten vehicles were also damaged in the incident. Police Chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol on Friday ordered compensation to be paid to the victim and to mete out severe disciplinary punishment and well as criminal charges against the officer.

A 26-year-old man has been charged with molesting a Russian female tourist in the women's toilet at a passenger bus station in Phuket

Police have arrested five Russian men accused of abducting a Belarusian couple on this resort island and forcing them to transfer 31 million baht worth of cryptocurrency before releasing them.Police initially brought in four of the five Russians for questioning following a complaint by Albert Viviankou, 23, and his wife, whose name was not given.

The Criminal Court has dismissed charges against Tun Min Latt, a businessman with ties to Myanmar’s junta leaders, on the grounds that evidence used by the public prosecutor was not strong enough.

A 28-year-old former factory worker is seeking compensation from the authorities after serving three years in jail for a crime he did not commit - an undeserved punishment he claims cost him his family.

About 20 million sets of personal information on elderly Thai people have been leaked from the Department of Older Persons, in the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and put up for sale on the Dark Web.

On February 7th, 2024, Mr. Ekkapop Laungprasert, the Advisor to the Minister of the Interior and the founder of the Sai Mai Tong Rot Facebook page, brought a Japanese victim who allegedly was physically attacked by a Japanese gang, resulting in a serious physical condition, to receive legal assistance.

The Election Commission is requesting the Supreme Court to strip the voting rights of Palang Pracharath Party's MP candidate in Nakhon Sawan, Phonwisit Jamsai, and his campaign assistant for vote-buying. Criminal charges will also be pressed against them. The Election Commission (EC) disclosed that Nathanon Benjaphinyo, Phonwisit's campaign assistant, allegedly offered 10,000 baht to a family in Takhli District to secure votes during the 2023 election. Out of the total amount, 4,000 baht was allegedly intended to silence an unnamed female family member. She had reportedly threatened to report the vote-buying to the EC after Nathanon failed to compensate her for attending one of Phonwisit's campaign speeches. Subsequently, the unnamed female accepted the 10,000 baht, successfully recruiting more than 34 individuals willing to sell their votes for 500 baht each. Eventually, she reported the vote-buying activity to the EC. The evidence presented encompassed LINE messages and testimonies from multiple witnesses, including 8 out of the 34 individuals involved in the alleged vote-selling scheme.

The Election Commission (EC) has filed a case with the Supreme Court seeking the withdrawal of political rights for a Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) MP candidate in Nakhon Sawan for vote-buying.

The Clooney Foundation for Justice and the Coalition For Women In Journalism have called on the Thai government to prevent SLAPPs and decriminalize defamation, specifically highlighting the case against journalist Chutima Sidasathian. The CFWIJ has also urged the court to dismiss all charges against her. Chutima is facing defamation charges related to her reporting on alleged corruption in the banking sector in Nakhon Ratchasima in 2021. The accusations involve a bank's mismanagement of public funds and other irregularities implicating bank officers and public officials, including the mayor of the Banlang sub-district. The mayor, who is the plaintiff in this case, is concurrently facing criminal charges of misappropriation of funds based on Chutima's investigation. Chutima has been charged with three counts of defamation, potentially leading to a cumulative sentence of 6 years in jail. Despite the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand recognizing the case as a SLAPP, the prosecution against her persists. "Given that Thailand aims to join the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2025, it should take immediate action to prevent SLAPPs and decriminalize defamation," stated Kyle Delbyck, Senior Program Manager at the Clooney Foundation for Justice's TrialWatch division.

After hours of negotiation, police successfully persuaded a gunman to surrender after he had earlier released hostages, including his ex-girlfriend, at a school in this northeastern province on Thursday.

Police in Phuket have arrested a British man who was exchanging counterfeit euros at bureaux de change in various places in the province.

Police have detained a foreign tourist for unlocking an airplane door, disrupting 13 flights at Chiang Mai Airport.

Two senior prosecutors are demanding protection and seeking permission to suspend their involvement in a police investigation as they claim to feel threatened by a team of police suspects, one of whom is allegedly a close aide of deputy police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is probing a request by two senior prosecutors, who said their lives were threatened by a team of policemen involved in giant gambling sites.

A woman has been charged with human trafficking for procuring girls aged under 18 into prostitution following a raid on the karaoke bar she owns in Muang district.

Two teenagers have been arrested after a drive-by shooting in Lat Krabang district of Bangkok that killed a 17-year-old vocational college student and injured two other teens.

Immigration officials arrested of Mr. Mikhail, a 34-year-old Russian national who had been in Thailand for more than 10 years

A ceiling has been set by the Public Health Ministry, below which people possessing illicit drugs will be regarded as drug users not liable for legal punishment.

A 35-year-old Chinese man on vacation with his family in Pattaya for the Chinese New Year reportedly fell to his death from a condo in North Pattaya this afternoon, February 11th, 2024. The incident took place at approximately 2:00 P.M. at a condo in Central Pattaya whose name has been withheld.

A joint operation by the Tourist Police Division 2 and Pattaya Police resulted in the arrest of a Taiwanese national wanted on fraud charges in his home country.

Five immigration officers have been sentenced to 15 years in jail for extorting 10 million baht worth of cryptocurrency from a Chinese businessman found in illegal possession of a Thai ID card in March last year.

Five immigration police officers were sentenced to 15 years in prison each today, after they were found guilty by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases of extorting 10 million baht from a Chinese businessman in exchange for dropping a charge against him.

A Thai journalist found himself in custody on Monday following his coverage of a graffiti incident, as reported by his employer and a legal advocacy organisation, AFP reported.

In recent years, Thailand has faced significant scrutiny over its treatment of journalists and media freedom, a concern that has been highlighted by several high-profile cases. The arrest of Natthaphon Meksophon from Prachatai and a freelance photographer for their involvement in reporting an incident at Wat Phra Kaew is the latest in a series of events that underscore the precarious state of press freedom in the country.

Police say they have gathered up to 90% of the evidence required to seek an arrest warrant for the two activists who chased after a royal motorcade early this month.

Police are looking for two Scottish men, accused by a Myanmar woman of killing her son and robbing him of about 5 million baht in cash at an apartment on Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Soi 4 on Tuesday night.

Charges will be filed against two members of the Thaluwang group in the next couple of days over their reported attempt to disrupt a royal motorcade earlier this month.

Taluwang group leading members, Tantawan Tuatulanon and Natthanon Chaimahabutra, were escorted from Chalong Krung police station to the Ratchadapisek Criminal Court this morning to have their detentions extended.

The Minburi Criminal Court sentenced a 51-year-old security guard from Phetchabun, Wut, to 36 years in jail for lese-majeste and violation of the Computer Crime Act. However, the sentence was later halved to 18 years due to his confession. The sentence is related to 12 social media posts made in 2021, deemed as royal defamation. Wut has been in pretrial detention since last year, and his bail request has been repeatedly denied.

Foreign visitors to Phuket shared images of the lion cubs in the cafes on social media, and many people expressed their disapproval. One comment read, “This is cruelty to animals. Lion cubs should be with their mothers and pride where they belong, not in a café. We strongly oppose this.”

Police have arrested a Chinese woman for illegally keeping a lion cub in a hotel room in Phuket.

Members of ultra-royalist groups attacked activists and citizen journalists during a gathering in the Siam shopping district on Saturday (10 February), injuring 10 activists, 2 citizen journalists, and another person observing the gathering.

The expected release of convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra next week is set to inject more heat into the simmering powerplay between conservative elites and the ex-PM, analysts say.

A 27-yr-old man turns himself to Prawet Police, Bangkok, Weds aft he was charged with physical assault, sexual molestation & holding a person against her will. Napawee Techa-ubon is son of Phalang Pracharath Party Executive Committee member Apichai Techa-ubon. The accuser is 25 and said the incident occurred at Napawee's resident on Feb 8 and she secided to file a police report because he didn't apologise.

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) say they received a threatening phone call from an unidentified caller, who claimed to be armed and threatened to raid the TLHR office. The caller then demanded to know which lawyer had posted bail for royal motorcade activists, Tantawan “Tawan” Tuatulanond and Natthanon “Frank” Chaiyamahabut, last week.

First Deputy House Speaker Padipat Suntiphada expressed concern that a group of individuals has been allowed to employ their claimed loyalty to the royal institution as a justification for committing acts of violence against those with differing opinions. He is also troubled by the occurrence of hate speech within Parliament, including labeling pro-democracy groups as a network aiming to overthrow the royal institution and characterizing their supporters as burdens on society. Padipat highlighted that such violent actions outside Parliament, coupled with the use of hate speech within it, could potentially lead to more instances of violence, reminiscent of the Thammasat massacre on October 6, 1976. Meanwhile, Move Forward Party Leader Chaithawat Tulathon voiced his concerns in Parliament about Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiseth's remarks, suggesting that individuals who resist making way for royal motorcades should consider relocating to another country. Chaithawat also expressed unease regarding comments such as "dead weights on society" and calls to "cut off the cancerous fingers," leading him to believe that the government is still under the influence of the junta.

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), a legal firm which provides pro-bono representation for pro-democracy activists and protesters, has been threatened with violence for provided legal support to two activists arrested on charges, including sedition, for allegedly honking their car horn at and blocking a royal motorcade.

Police believe that hidden elements are behind a recent incident, in which members of the anti-monarchy Taluwang group sounded a car horn at the convoy of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on an expressway in Bangkok, Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, the national police chief, told the media today, as reaction to the group’s conduct intensifies.

There is still no clear evidence that there were people behind the alleged attempt by two pro-democracy youth activists to interfere with HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's royal motorcade, said National Police Chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol. Nevertheless, the police will continue to investigate this claim, and he added that police officers are willing to lay down their lives to protect members of the royal institution. Pol Gen Torsak said the youth activists did not drive into the royal motorcade or attempt to block it; instead, their car was trailing behind the motorcade. He insisted that there was no complete blockade of traffic when the youth activists drove past the police's temporary blockade of one of the traffic channels. Meanwhile, Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiseth continued to claim that he has evidence of individuals behind the youth activists' activities, including the royal motorcade, but has yet to show it to the public. Move Forward Party Leader Chaithawat Tulathon earlier urged Chada to release the evidence he claims to have, suggesting that by doing so, Parliament could engage in discussions regarding the alleged financial support various political parties might have provided to the pro-democracy youth movement for political gain. Singer-turned-political activist Chaiamorn "Ammy the Bottom Blues" Kaewwiboonpan said in 2021 that the Pheu Thai Party has been providing financial support for pro-democracy youth activists, but the Move Forward Party has been "stingy."

The Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Court handed down its judgement on Monday, declaring Surachai, also known as Surachai Sae Dan, as a missing person at the request of his wife, Pranee Danwattananusorn. He disappeared five years ago while living in exile in Laos, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.

Army Chief Gen Charoenchai Hinthao on Fri urges Thais to send a loud message that it's unacceptable to try to block the royal motorcade of HRH Princess Sirindhorn. He said it's inappropriate and people need to have conscience He was referring to monarchy-reform activist Tawan Tuatulanond, 20, who has been arrested earlier this week and charged with sedition but denies trying to block the motorcade.

The Royal Thai Army has set up a committee to investigate an Army captain found to be in possession of multiple teargas canisters, smoke bombs, and flares, deputy spokesman Colonel Ritcha Suksuwanon said on Friday.

Bhumjaithai, the third-largest party in parliament with 71 MPs, is in danger of being dissolved after former secretary-general Saksayam Chidchob was found guilty of concealing assets and using a nominee to hide ownership of a company that won government construction projects.

A man and his son wanted for different offences have been arrested separately in two different districts of this southern province on the same day.

A pharmacist, 62, fell to his death at the Tha Phra electric train station on Charan Sanitwong Road in Bangkok Yai district late Sunday morning. Police said he and his wife had health problems.

Cambodian workers fled into the jungle with their children despite injuries sustained in a car accident in Chanthaburi Province.

A Japanese woman was arrested at the Wong Wiang Yai roundabout after stealing a rescue truck from a rescue worker in front of Lumpini police station in Bangkok on Sunday morning.

Police in Chachoengsao province have detained a 26-year-old man for having protected wildlife animals including otters and their carcasses

The Agriculture Ministry has transferred six land reform officers from Nakhon Ratchasima to Bangkok pending an investigation into whether they had marked up the land reform areas to encroach on 2,900 rai (464 hectares) of fertile forests of the Khao Yai National Park.

Deputy police chief denies 'leaked report'.

National parks chief Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn remains unfazed as he faces a new battle, this time a request by graft busters that the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry penalise him foralleged misconduct in a construction project when he was chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park a decade ago.

Dhupatemiya Golf Course cannot be converted into a sports complex as the site is a military security stronghold, according to Defence Ministry spokesman Jirayu Houngsub.

A Facebook user has been charged with royal defamation over 2 posts from 2022 after an ultra-royalist group’s leader file a complaint against her claiming the posts defame and make fun of the King.

Police have arrested a man who allegedly tried to rape and rob a Chinese tourist near a roadside forest beside Siam Country Club in Pattaya City, Chonburi province on the night of February 18.

A motorcyclist accused of trying to rape a Chinese woman on an isolated roadside near Pattaya before fleeing with her money has been arrested.

Pattaya police have arrested a 41-year-old Thai man for attempting to rob, rape, detain and set fire to a Chinese tourist in Chon Buri province on Sunday.

Deputy National Police Chief Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn has been charged with the wrongful exercise of duties and accepting bribes by the police. This follows the discovery of a financial connection between him and an illegal online gambling network through at least 4 mule accounts valued at 300 million baht, as reported by Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). He also said more than half of the 300 million was transferred to other high-ranking officers and used to cover Pol Gen Surachate's daily expenses. Pol Gen Surachate, along with four other police officers accused of the same offenses, could also face charges of money laundering, according to Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat. Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat stated that the investigation into Pol Gen Surachate is linked to the probe against Suchanun "Minnie" Sucharitchinsri, who is suspected of operating online gambling websites involving 61 suspects and eight other police officers. In September 2023, Suchanun denied allegations of running illegal online gambling websites. However, she did acknowledge having a close relationship with one of Deputy National Police Chiefs, Pol Gen Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn's close aides, Pol Col Pakpoom Pisamai.

Deputy National Police Chief Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn clarified that no official charges have been pressed against him; they have been filed only against his subordinates. This is due to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)'s pending decision on whether they will handle the case or let the police proceed. A case involving high-ranking officers is usually handled by the NACC. "I am still 100% innocent, and the charges have been communicated to my subordinates only," he asserted. He believes the NACC's delay in its decision, despite being informed by the police since last year, stems from their caution about being used as a tool by officers pressing charges against him. "I believe the NACC is concerned that police infighting might be the motive, and they do not want to be used as a tool by the police," he added. Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, the deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, said yesterday that the police are charging Pol Gen Surachate with the wrongful exercise of duties and accepting bribes. These charges are related to the discovery of financial links between Pol Gen Surachate and an illegal online gambling network through at least 4 mule accounts valued at 300 million baht. Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat urged the NACC to return the case to the police so they can continue the investigation. Pol Gen Surachate said today that since Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat claimed the case involved money laundering of assets exceeding 300 million baht, the police lack the authority to investigate it, as such cases fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Special Investigation. He warned that investigative officers could face legal consequences for initiating an unauthorized investigation. "The press conference [by Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat] yesterday was intended to pressure the NACC and has dragged the NACC into the conflict," he stated. Furthermore, he vehemently denied any wrongdoing or connection with illegal online gambling rings.

Embattled deputy national police chief, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, called a press conference today to declare his innocence, after he was among five police officers charged by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) for allegedly extorting money from an illegal online gambling network.

National Police chief Pol General Torsak Sukvimol on Friday issued an urgent order to all police officers to avoid giving information or interviews to the media that could undermine the image or operations of the Royal Thai Police, or create a condition that would lead to personal benefits.

In the heart of the bustling and vibrant land of smiles, Thailand, a tale as intriguing as a spicy Thai curry unfolded, leaving everyone on the edge of their seats. On a seemingly ordinary Friday, whispers and murmurings emerged, transforming into a full-blown drama that captured the attention of the nation.

The national police chief has ordered the transfer of eight officers linked to Suchanun "Minnie" Sucharitchinsri, a woman accused of running an online gambling network, to prevent them from interfering with the case.

Pattaya police arrested two Chinese nationals for illegal possession of firearms on February 21st, 2024. The move was to combat crimes affecting Pattaya’s tourism image and economy, Pattaya Police Chief Pol. Col. Navin Teerawit stated during a press conference.

Facebook page “Manoodkwan” (smoking man) on Thursday posted a question directed to Thailand’s Customs authorities about alleged e-cigarettes worth 1.6 billion baht being imported from China last year, despite the items being banned in Thailand.

Phuket Tourist Police are still waiting for a statement from a British tourist who was stabbed by a ladyboy during an argument.

A Facebook user has been charged with royal defamation over 2 posts from 2022 after an ultra-royalist group’s leader file a complaint against her claiming the posts defame and make fun of the King.

Following the arrest of Nutthaphol Meksobhon, a Prachatai reporter, and photographer Natthaphon Phanphongsanon, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) issued a statement calling for the Thai authorities to drop the charges against them and to end harassment of journalists.

Police Sergeant Major Chavanin (family name witheld) was arrested in Nakhon Si Thammarat province Sat aft he went berserk in a quarrel with a man who soon fled, then kicked a passing motorcycle & stabbed 51-yr-old woman rider to death and injured another. Chavanin has been seeing psychiatrist since 2021, suffers from depression, is on medication and was recently heart broken.

A mentally ill and drunk policeman ran out of his police flat, kicked over a passing motorcycle and repeatedly stabbed the two men riders, killing one of them.

A heavily-tattooed Asian man was found dead in a deserted stall near Suvarnabhumi airport on Sunday with three bullet wounds in the head, according to police.

A woman was arrested in connection with a burnt human skeleton found at a rubbish dump in Waeng Noi district on Feb 17. She claimed the deceased, her friend, died of convulsions and she burned her body on a discarded car tyre.

A woman, identified only as “Panumat”, has hanged herself in the bathroom of a house in Bangkok’s Ram Inthra area, where she claimed ownership through adverse possession (squatter’s rights).

According to police officers at the Na Jomtien Police Station in Chonburi Province, the driver of the car that struck the 73-year-old Swiss

At 6:40 PM, on February 24th, 2024, Cha-uat police officers received a knife crime report of a police sergeant going on a rampage and stabbing two innocent elderly people on a motorbike in Cha-uat, Nakhon Si Thammarat, causing one casualty and one serious injury.

A Phuket motorbike taxi rider allegedly sexually assaulted a female German passenger. The Phuket Tourist Police told the Phuket Express that a 37-year-old female German tourist filed a report to the Phuket City Police at 4:26 A.M. on Monday (February 26th) morning.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has decided to prosecute 8 police officers and officials, including former national police chief Somyot Poompanmuang and former deputy attorney-general Nate Naksuk, who are accused of tampering with evidence in the Red Bull heir case, according to Prayut Phetkun, OAG's spokesperson. In September 2023, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) found 15 individuals, including Somyot and Nate, guilty of involvement in altering the speed of the car driven by Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya. This manipulation was aimed at reducing charges against Vorayuth in his 2012 hit-and-run case. Initially accused of driving his Ferrari at a speed of over 100 kilometers per hour, Vorayuth crashed into a police motorcycle ridden by Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wichian Klanprasert on Sukhumvit Road in September 2012, dragging his body for around 200 meters from the crash site and resulting in the officer's death at the scene before driving off. The NACC asserted that the 15 officers and officials played a role in manipulating evidence to falsely indicate that the car's speed was below 80 kilometers per hour, with the intention of reducing charges against Vorayuth. Nevertheless, by 2020, all charges against Vorayuth, except one, were dropped, primarily due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. The remaining charge against the Red Bull heir, who has fled the country and is still at large, is reckless driving causing death, carrying a maximum 10-year prison term. Reportedly, this charge remains valid until 2027.

Prosecutors in Thailand announced Tuesday they will indict a former national police chief on charges of impeding legal action against an heir to the Red Bull energy drink fortune who was accused of killing a Bangkok police officer in a 2012 hit-and-run.

A Thai female doctor in Phuket has filed a complaint against a Swiss man for allegedly kicking her in the back as she and her friend were sitting on a stairway near the beach in Thalang District, Phuket Province. She stated that no Thai person deserved to be treated with such disrespect.

The case of a Swiss man allegedly kicking a Thai female doctor at his luxury villa in Phuket has gone viral among netizens on Thursday.

Burmese, 6 men 2 women, were arrested Thurs at 5am aft rangers stopped a suspicious pickup truck in Tak province's Mae Ramad district & found them hidden inside fruit baskets. They said they paid 6K bt each to be smuggled into Thailand to work in Bangkok's Saphan Kwai. The Thai driver, Charoon Thongmak, 56, was also apprehended with his son.

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has requested the Criminal Court to issue five arrest warrants for those suspected of involvement in meat smuggling.

At a press conference, Immigration Bureau announced the arrest of two Chinese men claiming to be Canadian nationals at the gate

A Taiwanese national suspected of involvement in the murder of his compatriot and leaving the body in an abandoned building near Suvarnabhumi Airport has been released on bail of NT$300,000 (340,000 baht) and is prohibited from leaving the country.

Police have seized cash, luxury cars and other assets worth 329 million baht and arrested four people who are said to be part of a major online gambling network.

About 21 million baht worth of heroin has been seized from two Australia-bound parcels of moisturising cream tubes at the Suvarnabhumi airport mail centre.

The Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) will charge property tycoon Anant Asavabhokhin with money laundering over his alleged involvement in the Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative (KCUC) fund embezzlement scandal, according to an OAG source.