Bangkok: "Asaphon" has pledged to track down the masterminds behind the local government exam cheating scandal, focusing on the key figures rather than minor participants. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) summoned "Big Tao," a high-ranking official, to discuss the ongoing investigation into the corruption case. Asaphol indicated that the focus is on the primary culprits, and amendments to the Civil Service Commission Act are being considered to enable the commission to conduct exams, citing a current lack of corruption oversight in that area. Meanwhile, Santithorn has not yet received the local government corruption investigation report as the seven-day period hasn't lapsed, and it's uncertain if he will report to the mayor today.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Asaphol Santraiphop, a Member of Parliament from the Bhumjaithai Party and Chairman of the Committee on Prevention and Suppression of Corruption and Misconduct, discussed the investigation into the local government recruitment exam corruption case. Police Major General Jaroonkiat Panngaeo and other relevant officers were invited to provide information on the case, which has garnered public concern, especially regarding the arrest of 10 civil servants and whether the main perpetrators have been caught.
The corruption scandal is significant, with Mr. Asaphol having opposed it since 2023. He filed a complaint with Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, then Deputy Prime Minister. An MOU with five agencies was signed in January 2024 to curb corruption in these exams. This led to the dismantling of the corrupt process by 2026. Despite past allegations of bribery, this is the first time arrests have been made.
Mr. Asaphol emphasized the Bhumjaithai Party's firm stance against corruption. At a recent party meeting, it was resolved that any member linked to the scandal would face prosecution, as the party finds this unacceptable.
Concerns were raised about Mr. Pongsakorn Saothon, a former working group member of the Minister of Agriculture, whose remarks implicated the NACC. Mr. Asaphol is worried about the false allegations involving a non-existent advisor to the previous NACC commission. He plans to take legal action against the accusers and urges preventive measures against bribery to protect the dignity of Parliament.
The committee will use today's meeting information to schedule another meeting, inviting relevant agencies like the Department of Local Administration. The Ministry of Interior is expected to complete its investigation soon, with results considered in the next meeting.
Mr. Asaphol stressed the importance of both suppressing and preventing corruption in future exams. He proposed involving the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in local government exams to prevent future corruption. The Local Government Personnel Administration Act, under Senate review, is seen as a step towards addressing these issues. Empowering the CSC to conduct examinations could be pursued alongside legal amendments.
Mr. Santithorn Yimlamai, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, and chairman of the fact-finding committee, refrained from commenting on the investigation's conclusion, as the report's submission deadline hadn't passed. He also stated that he had not been informed about reporting to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is returning from an overseas assignment.