Bangkok: The Democrat Party is intensifying its efforts to uncover corruption in local government exams, with a focus on identifying the masterminds behind the scandal. The party is actively investigating irregularities in the grading of answer sheets and assembling evidence to present to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for prosecution of the main perpetrators.
According to Thai News Agency, the Democrat Party has issued a statement regarding the ongoing investigation into corruption within the competitive examinations for recruiting civil servants or local government employees. Mr. Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, spokesperson for the Democrat Party, along with Mr. Paisal Ruangrit from the Legal Committee, and Mr. Pornchai Maranetr, secretary of the Policy Committee, emphasized the party's commitment to ensuring justice for all exam participants.
Paisan Ruangrit, a member of the party's legal committee, disclosed that substantial evidence has been collected to submit to the NACC. This evidence includes detailed information from individuals involved in the scheme, such as exam applicants who paid for positions and brokers. The party is meticulously investigating financial transactions related to the scandal.
Mr. Paisarn has prepared a comprehensive set of 72 questions to be presented as evidence in court, addressing all aspects of the corruption process for the NACC's consideration. The "Lawyer Paisarn Helps" Facebook page has received numerous complaints from test takers reporting irregularities, such as receiving zero scores despite correctly completing their identification and answers, and suspicious behavior from invigilators.
Mr. Pornchai Maranetr stated that complaints were received from test takers from various provinces, including Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Trat, and Songkhla, who traveled to Bangkok to request a review of their answer sheets. During the review process, several suspicious conditions were noted, including the confiscation of personal devices and intimidation by unidentified officers.
Irregularities were also found in the OMR grading system, with reports of examinees receiving zero points despite invigilators confirming the accuracy of their answer sheets. Some test-takers reported discrepancies with signatures and identification on the answer sheets but were denied permission to verify these claims.
Mr. Pornchai highlighted that many exam candidates, who are temporary employees in municipalities or local administrative organizations, are victims of a corrupt system. Some were explicitly told they would not succeed without paying. The Democrat Party is committed to monitoring the situation closely and collaborating with relevant sectors to expose those responsible for compromising the integrity of the Thai civil service system.