Thailand: the police accused of being 'the largest criminal gang in the country'

Several police organizations denounce statements describing the Thai police as "the country's largest criminal gang"

Four police organizations have sent an open letter to the national police chief, requesting an urgent investigation to verify allegations that the Royal Thai Police (RTP) is a 'criminal gang ».

This case arises as an investigation, which took 19 months to complete, has led to the indictment of the former police chief, Torsak Sukvimol, as well as more than 200 officers, accused of receiving bribes linked to online gambling networks.

See: Thailand: former police chief accused of massive corruption scandal

Context of the controversy

General Winai Thongsong, center, reads a statement at the headquarters of the Royal Thai Police in Bangkok on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

The Police Retired Club, led by the President of the RTP Association, General Winai Thongsong, submitted this letter to the national police chief, General Kittharath Punpetch, at the RTP headquarters on Wednesday, November 5.

The letter was jointly approved by the RTP Association, the Police Cadet Academy Association, the Official Investigators Association and the Retired Police Officers Club.

It expresses their concern about recent public statements and media interviews which, according to them, have distorted the facts and damaged the image of law enforcement.

The accusations against the royal police

Police officers attend the launch of an online center designed to receive complaints related to cybercrimes in 2022. Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill

The controversy was sparked by activist Atchariya Ruangrattanapong, president of the Crime Victim Assistance Club, and the former deputy national police chief, General Surachate Hakparn.

They accused certain officers of being involved in online gambling and online scam networks.

Surachate was a police officer known for having fought effectively against corruption, not hesitating to tackle high-ranking individuals.

He disturbed many people and was supposed to be appointed head of the police in 2023, but accusations of alleged links with online casino operators made just before his appointment allowed him to be removed from the post.

See: Thailand cracks down on a police officer who fought against corruption

The former deputy chief denied these allegations, claiming they were invented by rivals within the law enforcement to block his path to the position of police chief.

He was dismissed from the police in June 2024, while these accusations have still not resulted in a conviction, while his rival, Torsak, appointed head of the police in his place and accused of the same facts at the same period, was charged after 19 months of investigation.

See: Corruption in Thailand: evidence leads to the wife of the police chief

Police call for an independent investigation

The Thai police chief, General Kittharath Phunphet. Photo: Thai PBS World

The four groups stated that these remarks had undermined public confidence in the police and called for an independent and transparent investigation into these allegations.

They urged General Kittharath to conduct a swift investigation and take strict disciplinary and criminal action against anyone found guilty, while ensuring that no protection is given to offenders.

Unfortunately, it has been a long time since the trust of the Thai public and foreigners in the law enforcement has been undermined by the numerous corruption cases that regularly make the headlines in the country's media.

See: What to do if the Thai police stop you and try to extort money?

Surachate at the center of criticism

Police General Surachate Hakparn. Photo: Thai PBS World

Police officers criticized General Surachate for describing the police as 'the largest criminal gang in Thailand'.

They stated that as a former senior officer, he should submit all evidence in his possession to the authorities rather than publicly discrediting the entire law enforcement.

General Winai said:

"If these two people actually have irrefutable evidence, they should hand it over to the Royal Thai Police so that action can be taken against corrupt officers.".

He added that the fact that General Surachate "takes credit while blaming others" seems to simply stem from his disappointment at being removed from his post.

It would be interesting to conduct a nationwide survey to find out how many Thais also consider the police to be 'the largest criminal gang in the country'.

See also:

Thailand: from executioner to victim, a corrupt police officer caught by his karma

New terrible scandal involving police officers in Thailand

A Thai trapped between a drug cartel and a gang of corrupt police officers

How Chinese mafias and corrupt police officers undermine Thailand's security?

A mafia boss has an incorruptible agent killed in front of 28 police officers in Thailand

Source: Bangkok Post