Bribery probe deepens police credibility crisis

The reputation of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) has suffered a significant blow following a decision by the Police Complaints Review Committee (PCRC) to formally accuse former National Police Chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol and more than 200 police officers of disciplinary misconduct for allegedly accepting bribes from online gambling networks.

- Anucha Charoenpo

Needless to say, the probe outcome renews public indignation against the tarnished reputation of the country's police.

But this case is unusual. In the past, most corruption probes often targeted a group of low-ranking policemen. However, this case has shaken the entire RTP as the probe points a finger at the former national police chief who oversaw 200,000 cops.

The accusations stem from a complaint lodged in March last year by prominent lawyer Sittra Biabangkerd, also known as "Lawyer Tum", who alleged that a large group of police officers had received kickbacks linked to online gambling operations.

After a seven-month investigation involving extensive document reviews and multi-agency cooperation, the PCRC concluded on Oct 22 that there is sufficient evidence to support the disciplinary charges against Pol Gen Torsak and more than 200 other police officers.

The next step will allow Pol Gen Torsak, who served as national police chief from October 2023 until his retirement in September last year, and the implicated police officers to defend themselves against the accusations.