BANGKOK – The Supreme Administrative Court today upheld the dismissal of former deputy national police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, rejecting his appeal to be reinstated to the police service.

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Surachate was dismissed approximately two years ago following his indictment on charges of money laundering and malfeasance in office in connection with an online gambling platform. He had challenged the dismissal through the Administrative Court before appealing to the Supreme Administrative Court.

In its ruling, the court examined three key issues. First, it determined that the dismissal was legitimate because it was ordered after the Criminal Court had issued an arrest warrant for Surachate, leaving no reason to doubt its lawfulness.

Dismissed former deputy national police chief Surachate Hakparn lost his bid to return to the police service today, after the Supreme Administrative Court ruled that the order for his dismissal was legitimate.https://t.co/twRFVv6Arv #ThaiPBSWorld #ThailandNews pic.twitter.com/sRgHZBGyzd

— Thai PBS World (@ThaiPBSWorld) January 9, 2026

Second, the court addressed whether the dismissal unfairly deprived Surachate of the opportunity to fully understand the case against him in order to mount a defense. It ruled that while the order impacted his rights, it fell under a lawful exception, emphasizing that the charges against him are serious and not related to a minor or negligent offense.

Third, the court found that the dismissal was carried out in good faith and in accordance with the law, stating that the national police chief was fully authorized to terminate Surachate’s employment given the gravity of the allegations.

Police Geneneral Surachate ‘Big Joke’ officially dismissed from police service

Today’s decision finalizes Surachate’s removal from the police force and marks the end of his legal challenge against the dismissal.

-Thailand News (TN)