Bangkok: Pakorn Nilapraphan, Deputy Prime Minister, has disclosed significant irregularities in the 2025 local government examinations, revealing that over 100 individuals were involved, including high-ranking officials. He announced plans to recommend a comprehensive investigation to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, emphasizing the complexity and seriousness of the issue.
According to Thai News Agency, Pakorn's revelations came after the 4th/2026 meeting of a committee tasked with investigating the alleged corruption in the 2025 civil servant/local government employee recruitment examination. This meeting marked the final review of documents and evidence, which will now be revised and submitted to the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior for prompt action. The report will meticulously outline the examination process, highlighting shortcomings and involving multiple agencies and individuals.
Police General Kittiratt Phanphet, Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police, stated that the investigation revealed irregularities at every stage of the recruitment process. The working group, which spent 30 days on the investigation, found that the number of approved and appointed personnel exceeded the requested positions, among other issues. The probe will also scrutinize the examination process for potential corruption before, during, and after the exams.
The investigation identified critical issues in the pre-examination phase, particularly concerning the accuracy of the Terms of Reference (TOR) and whether they facilitated corruption. The examination phase focused on exam control and allocation of examination centers, while the post-examination phase uncovered score manipulation and discrepancies in candidate certifications. The committee has reached preliminary conclusions and will recommend potential legal actions against those involved, including criminal, civil, and disciplinary charges.
The Commissioner General also mentioned that proposals will be made to government agencies like the Ministry of Interior and the Department of Local Administration on future actions. The Royal Thai Police, Anti-Corruption Commission, and Anti-Money Laundering Office will proceed with prosecutions. Adjustments to the report are expected in the coming days before being presented to the Prime Minister.
Mr. Pakorn emphasized that the investigation revealed extensive involvement across various levels, necessitating further investigation and potential legal proceedings against those implicated. He confirmed that the number of involved individuals exceeded 100 and stressed the need for a thorough re-examination of the facts by the committee. The investigation will consider the collective responsibility of the organization and committee, acknowledging that even if not all were corrupt, allowing such issues constitutes a shared responsibility.
When pressed about the involvement of high-ranking officials, Mr. Pakorn cryptically assured, "As you all know," indicating the widespread nature of the issue.