National Police Chief Transfers Eight Officers Linked to Suchanun “Minnie” Sucharitchinsri to Prevent Interference

The national police chief has taken decisive action by ordering the transfer of eight officers allegedly linked to Suchanun “Minnie” Sucharitchinsri, a woman accused of orchestrating an online gambling network. This move was made to prevent any potential interference with the ongoing investigation into the case.

A statement from Pol Col Siriwat Deepo, the police spokesperson, revealed that national police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol signed an official order on Friday to transfer the eight officers to the Royal Thai Police’s central office. These officers will be replaced with new personnel while an internal investigation is conducted.

The individuals in question have been identified as Pol Maj Gen Namkiat Theerarotjanaphong from the Metropolitan Police Bureau; Pol Col Phakphum Phitsamai, Deputy Commander of Investigation of Provincial Police Region 4; Pol Col Khemarin Pisamai, chief of Chanthaburi immigration police; Pol Col Aris Kuprasertrat, Immigration chief of Chachoengsao; Pol Lt Col Kharit Priyakate, deputy superintendent of Crime Suppression at Phra Samut Chedi station; Pol Sub Lt Chanont Aumthon, Crime Suppression Inspector at Phra Pradaeng station; Pol Sgt Nattawut Watwaew, patrol group commander at the Police Traffic Division; and Pol Sgt Apisit Khonyong, Investigation Division Commander at Muang Chachoengsao station.

The decision to transfer these officers was prompted by reports received by the Royal Thai Police indicating that the individuals in question had been interfering with the investigation and displaying inappropriate behaviour towards officers involved in the case. The Royal Thai Police invoked its authority under Sections 63 and 105 of the Royal Thai Police Act, along with other relevant regulations, to reassign these officers to assist with internal affairs investigations.

Furthermore, it has been reported that the eight officers have requested Pol Gen Torsak to transfer the case from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau to the Department of Special Investigation, citing expectations of fairer treatment by the DSI.