PM vows thorough probe into local administration exam fraud

BANGKOK, July 16 (TNA) - Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul stated on Wednesday that there will be no cover-up in the ongoing investigation into local administration employment exam fraud, promising that any politicians or officials found involved will face legal action.

Speaking at a joint press conference on July 15 to outline the progress of the case, Anuthin emphasized that the investigation will proceed strictly based on evidence.

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) reported that the probe began on June 22 following a raid on a company in Nonthaburi, where individuals were found altering answer sheet files. Subsequent raids across nine locations in four provinces led to the arrest of three suspects.

All three suspects face five charges and have denied the allegations. Two of the male suspects were escorted to court for detention on Wednesday, with police opposing bail due to the severity of the offenses.

Police General Kitrat Phanphet, the national police chief, said authorities are scrutinizing the financial and communication records of those involved. While the CIB noted that no state officials have been implicated so far, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) have launched parallel investigations into potential graft and bribery.

During the briefing, Ministry of Interior Permanent Secretary Unsit Sampuntharat reported that a review of the exam results revealed score discrepancies affecting 5,814 individuals out of nearly 15,000 who reported for duty.

The discrepancies include 3,621 failing candidates whose scores were inflated to passing grades, and 1,713 candidates who passed initially but had their scores further increased. The remaining cases involved minor score mismatches or scanning errors, which will be verified against original answer sheets seized by the NACC.

A central committee is scheduled to meet on July 23 to decide on revoking the employment of the 5,814 individuals.

To ensure transparency, the Prime Minister has appointed a special oversight committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt and the national police chief to monitor the case. Ministry of Interior representatives have been excluded from this panel to maintain impartiality. - 819 (TNA)