Bangkok: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has confirmed that no evidence links Mr. Narucha Khosasilai to corruption in the ongoing investigation into local government examinations. Asaphol Santraiphop, MP for Sisaket Province and Chairman of the House of Representatives' Committee on Prevention and Suppression of Corruption (P.P.C. Committee), announced the findings and outlined future steps in a recent interview.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Asaphol highlighted that the investigation had initially implicated high-ranking officials, including Mr. Narucha, former Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration. However, Mr. Asaphol clarified that Mr. Narucha was not involved in the corruption and had signed the order to appoint the chairman and committee members to redraft the Terms of Reference (TOR), leading to the arrest of a Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality Deputy Mayor. The NACC committee plans to invite the chairman of the TOR drafting committee to provide further information.
The NACC committee chairman detailed that the recent meeting involved insights from the fact-finding and legal working group under Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilapraphan. The investigation, now at level 10, covers directors-general and local government officials. While the working group has completed its task of gathering factual information, the NACC, along with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), will continue the investigation.
In 2021, allegations of fraud in the local government civil service examination led to a municipal clerk's arrest in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Despite Burapha University initially winning the bid, the large-scale fraud necessitated a revision of the TOR. The university declined to participate in the new bidding process due to the infeasibility of fulfilling the contract under revised terms.
Mr. Asaphol also addressed concerns regarding brokers involved in exam corruption across various provinces, noting that these incidents are ongoing and not limited to any specific university. He emphasized the importance of inviting Mr. Rangsiman Rome to provide details about his reported news, as current information is insufficient.
The NACC committee is committed to ensuring accountability for those involved in corruption. Although the process has been lengthy, efforts are underway to replace dismissed civil servants with deserving candidates. Criminal proceedings may take up to 10 months, while civil cases, managed by AMLO, are progressing, with asset seizures and lawsuits expected soon. The committee remains dedicated to keeping the public informed as the situation develops.