Bangkok: All three suspects involved in the local government exam cheating scandal have been arrested. Police are preparing to detain Ms. Sataporn, one of three suspects in the case. Meanwhile, "Sergeant Pichit" was arrested at the Crime Suppression Division after turning himself in, citing concerns for his safety and intense pressure following searches of his residence and condominium.
According to Thai News Agency, the case involves the arrest of a local government exam cheating ring. The suspects include Mr. Aswin, or Dr. Win, an advisor to the director of the Office of Promotion and Training at a university, who was apprehended by Laos before being extradited to Thailand for prosecution; Ms. Sataporn, or Ja, Mr. Win's sister, who was arrested in Nakhon Pathom; and Staff Sergeant Dr. Pichit, or Sergeant Pichit, Director of the Strategy and Budget Division of the Wichian Buri Municipality in Phetchabun Province, who was arrested under a warrant issued by the Crime Suppression Division. All are currently being held at the Complaints Center of the Central Investigation Bureau.
Latest updates from sources at the Crime Suppression Division reveal that all three main suspects have been arrested. Yesterday, Sergeant Pichit, one of the suspects, came to the Crime Suppression Division. The arresting officers recognized him and proceeded to arrest him. Mr. Pichit claimed that authorities had searched his residence and several condominiums, and traced his financial transactions, leading him to believe his accounts might be frozen. This caused him unease, pressure, and concern for his safety, prompting him to come to the Crime Suppression Division. Police are investigating whether his safety concerns stemmed from intimidation or were simply personal anxieties. It was emphasized that Sergeant Pichit did not contact or coordinate his surrender in advance. All three suspects face the same five charges: organized crime; membership in a criminal gang; concealing, hiding, or causing the loss of documents; forging official documents; and introducing false information into a computer system.
Recently, authorities took the suspect, Ms. Sataporn, or Ja, to the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct for remand. She refused to give interviews, covered her face with her hand, and quickly got into a police car.
As for the other two suspects, Mr. Win and Sergeant Pichit, they are still under investigation. Officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) have brought evidence and documents to the suspects' holding cell at the Crime Suppression Division. Sources also revealed that during the official investigation, all suspects exercised their right to have legal representation and have not yet given their statements.
Regarding whether additional arrest warrants will be issued for those involved, the Crime Suppression Division is working closely with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) because this case is only a part of a larger case. If the investigation uncovers evidence or implicates government officials, the information will be compiled and sent to the NACC for further action according to their authority.