In a dramatic shake-up within the Royal Thai Police (RTP), two high-ranking police major generals have been abruptly transferred to inactive posts amid serious allegations linking them to illegal casino operations and grey businesses across the border in Myanmar.
The order, signed by Police Commissioner-General Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, has sent shockwaves through the police force and the public. Pol Maj-Gen Aekkarat Intasueb, a commander attached to the Inspection Division, and Pol Maj-Gen Samrith Emkamol, commander of Tak provincial police, have both been stripped of their active duties and reassigned to the Operations Centre of the RTP – a notorious holding ground often referred to as the “graveyard” for officers under investigation.
The Allegations Unfold
The explosive move follows widespread reports circulating on social media, accusing an unnamed police major-general of having deep connections to illegal casinos and grey businesses in Myanmar. According to the official order, an internal fact-finding committee has been established to probe the claims, with initial findings suggesting that the accusations hold substantial merit.
Pol Maj-Gen Aekkarat has been identified as the officer under scrutiny for these alleged ties. The order explicitly states that his transfer is essential to “facilitate further investigation and protect the image of the RTP.”
Meanwhile, Pol Maj-Gen Samrith faces accusations related to human trafficking through the porous border districts of Mae Sot and Mae Ramat in Tak province. Preliminary findings indicate that these claims are credible enough to warrant his removal from the region to allow for an in-depth investigation.
Leadership Changes in Tak Province
To maintain law enforcement continuity, Pol Maj-Gen Rawipat Amornmuneepong, deputy commissioner of the 6th Region Provincial Police Bureau, has been appointed as the acting commander of Tak provincial police.
The RTP’s swift action underscores growing pressure to crack down on corruption within the force, especially in the wake of increasing public scrutiny. By moving the two officers to inactive roles, the RTP aims to ensure an impartial investigation while signaling that no officer is above the law.
A Tarnished Image
The Royal Thai Police have long faced criticism over allegations of corruption and misconduct, and this latest scandal threatens to further damage their reputation. With social media amplifying public outrage and transparency demands, the RTP’s handling of this high-profile case will be closely watched.
As the fact-finding committee continues its probe, questions loom large: Will the investigation expose a deeper network of corruption? And will these transfers mark a genuine turning point in the fight against police malfeasance?
For now, the fates of Pol Maj-Gen Aekkarat Intasueb and Pol Maj-Gen Samrith Emkamol hang in the balance as the Royal Thai Police navigate yet another crisis in their ranks.
