Bangkok: The Prime Minister declared that the exam fraud was a treasonous act and ordered a serious disciplinary investigation against five civil servants involved. The Prime Minister vowed to prosecute the exam cheating ring, appointing a committee to investigate five civil servants involved for serious disciplinary action.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul announced that the examination for local government officials was fraudulent, revealing a lack of transparency and attempts to cheat in order to gain an unfair advantage in the selection process for local government positions. Mr. Santithorn Yimlamai, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, stated that after investigating the facts from evidence, inviting nearly 15 related individuals to provide information, and requesting documents from all relevant agencies, it was initially found that the answer sheets from all 10 centers were not immediately submitted to the department. A random check of flash drives containing the score announcements revealed discrepancies or data alterations in 48 cases. These alterations involved changes to scores in both Part A and Part B, resulting in Part A scores exceeding 60% and Part B scores reaching 90%. Local officials, contractors, external private companies, and a numbe r of unidentified individuals were found to be involved. Furthermore, five civil servants under the Department of Local Administration were also implicated.
The Prime Minister stated that the Ministry of Interior, in conjunction with related agencies, is investigating to bring about legal action. Regarding the alteration of answers and data files, the Ministry of Interior will initiate serious disciplinary proceedings against the involved officials. Anyone who attempts to commit fraud will not escape punishment because the government, along with seven other agencies, has signed a memorandum of understanding to combat corruption. Those who have done wrong know their actions. From now on, the work will be intensified to hold this network accountable. It is believed that there are likely individuals in high positions involved, but baseless accusations cannot be made. A thorough investigation is necessary to gather solid evidence. The government must have irrefutable evidence against these traitors; they cannot escape prosecution.
Mr. Arsit Sampanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, stated that the Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), has already seized over 800,000 fraudulent answer sheets and will conduct a retrospective investigation. He affirmed that those behind the fraud will be punished.