Bangkok: After implicating the Prime Minister, Asapol Santraiphop, MP for Sisaket Province, has refuted accusations made by Rangsimanat Rome, linking Anutin Charnvirakul to a local government investigation. Asapol emphasized that the alleged scheme has been ongoing since 2019-2021, involving extortion for positions with bribes ranging from 500,000 to 800,000 baht in Sisaket Province. He urged the Department of Local Administration to initiate investigations into 5,925 cases to uncover the real beneficiaries.
According to Thai News Agency, Asapol, who is also the Chairman of the House of Representatives' Committee on Prevention and Suppression of Corruption and Misconduct, addressed allegations by Rome, a list MP from the People's Party, suggesting Anutin's involvement in local government recruitment exams. This speculation arose following the change of exam administration from Burapha University to Srinakharinwirot University in 2024. Asapol shared that complaints arose from villagers in 2023 about recruitment exams, alleging demands for bribes to secure positions. Consequently, a complaint was filed with the Ministry of Interior, leading to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between several agencies to address the issue.
Asapol clarified that accusations regarding Anutin's cancellation of Burapha University's exam are unfounded. Complaints had emerged during the 2019 and 2021 exams conducted by Burapha and Kasetsart Universities. Asapol accompanied citizens from Sisaket to file a complaint and testified to the Department of Local Administration (DLA) committee. He received a threatening call from a purported DLA official about his testimony but remained firm in his stance. He revealed that groups paid to pass exams, resulting in 19 police reports in Sisaket, with two cases already forwarded to the public prosecutor.
Asapol explained that cheating in local government exams has long existed but went undetected due to limited involvement within the Department of Local Administration. The scheme's discovery in the 2025 exam resulted from changes in the Director-General roles, highlighting conflicting interests. He noted the announcement of 5,925 individuals altering their scores, with two main groups identified: those who failed but altered scores to pass, and those who passed but increased their scores. Despite clear evidence of score manipulation, no action could be taken due to legal loopholes, prompting the Bhumjaithai Party to draft legislation to address such fraud in future exams.
The issue involves beneficiaries similar to nominee scheme problems in other regions, yet current laws do not prosecute these individuals. Asapol appealed to law enforcement agencies to pursue criminal cases and requested the Department of Local Administration to provide a comprehensive list of individuals involved for investigation by the five agencies with signed MOUs. He expressed confidence in the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to conduct thorough investigations.
Asapol emphasized that the 97 individuals with altered scores can claim ignorance, preventing legal repercussions until proven otherwise. He reiterated the need for new legislation to identify true beneficiaries and hold accomplices accountable. He acknowledged the potential legal challenges the Department of Local Administration might face if the review process extends beyond the validity of the candidate list.
Addressing political implications, Asapol acknowledged suspicions but highlighted that accusations remain unsubstantiated. He questioned whether individuals at lower levels would act alone, suggesting involvement or awareness by higher-ups. He anticipated that forthcoming investigations by the NACC and AMLO would reveal the truth, with potential asset seizures and legal actions within 90 days.