Bangkok: Irregularities in the 2025 local government civil service examinations have prompted the Local Government Personnel Commission to revoke all examination results. The Commission plans to release a new ranking list, excluding 5,924 candidates identified as having manipulated their scores. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior stated that the southern region had the highest percentage of these irregularities.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wanchai Chanporn, Chairman of the Central Committee for the Examination of Local Government Employees (CGE), shared insights from the recent CGE meeting. The meeting examined scores of 279,949 test-takers out of 438,277 applicants, revealing that 55,753 candidates initially passed, including 14,988 already appointed. Upon discovery of irregularities affecting 5,924 candidates, the CGE decided to annul the 2025 successful candidates list. A new list, excluding those involved in fraudulent activities, will be created, with Mr. Chanporn set to approve the revised scores.
Mr. Arsit Sampanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, confirmed the cancellation of previous lists and the development of a new, accurate list. He emphasized that this process is not a re-examination but rather a correction of scores for over 200,000 candidates. The new list will exclude the names of the 5,924 candidates involved in the irregularities. The list will be verified against data from Srinakharinwirot University, as held by the National Anti-Corruption Commission, ensuring accuracy in the recorded exam details.
Mr. Nirat Pongsitthithavorn, Deputy Permanent Secretary and Acting Director-General of the Department of Local Administration (DLA), asserted the DLA's authority to amend its decisions if found incorrect. Mr. Wanchai indicated that the Administrative Procedure Act would be employed to announce the new list, allowing the rectification of flawed or incomplete administrative orders.
Regarding potential appeals to the Administrative Court, Mr. Wanchai acknowledged that the aggrieved parties retain the right to challenge the decision. The new list, once finalized, will be forwarded to the Provincial Local Government Officials Commission. If individuals wish to appeal, they may do so under the Administrative Procedure Act and potentially file a lawsuit with the Administrative Court.
In response to concerns about numerous petitions to the Administrative Court, Mr. Wanchai highlighted the plaintiffs' rights under the law. The Administrative Court's decision on temporary injunctions remains at its discretion. The Ministry of Interior's legal department has been instructed to prepare explanations for the court if necessary.
Mr. Wanchai confirmed the removal of the 5,924 individuals from their duties and clarified that any additional findings of corruption would be addressed separately. The resolution from the recent meeting will be presented to the central committee for further consideration.
Addressing rumors of lobbying to alter the 5,924 list, Mr. Arsit stated that the matter is resolved and any attempts to influence the outcome are futile. Legal action against the NBTC committee for submitting false information is underway, pending further investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The southern region recorded the highest percentage of abnormalities in the examination process.