Bangkok: The police are intensifying their efforts to crack down on cheating in local government exams, with significant developments expected later today. The police chief has announced that there will be a clearer picture this afternoon concerning the issuance of arrest warrants for two additional key figures involved in the scandal. Meanwhile, the police are awaiting the National Anti-Corruption Commission's (NACC) approval to formally summon brokers and 11 local government officials, who were discovered altering answer sheets, to hear charges.
According to Thai News Agency, the investigation into the corruption case surrounding the selection examination for local administrative organization (LAO) personnel under the Ministry of Interior is gaining momentum. Initial arrests have already been made, including Sergeant Pichit, the Director of the Strategy and Budget Division at Wichian Buri Municipality in Phetchabun Province, and Mr. Win, an advisor to the director of the Office of Promotion and Training at a university, along with his sister.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Pattanasak Bupphasuwan, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, stated that the investigative team is actively gathering evidence and liaising with relevant agencies. Preliminary evidence, including testimony from Mr. Win, points to two high-ranking executives from a university and the Department of Local Administration (DLA) as the masterminds behind the cheating operation. However, further investigation is required to substantiate these claims, with authorities focusing on forensic evidence and financial records from the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to build a solid case before considering issuing arrest warrants.
The investigation may proceed in two ways after evidence collection. One option is for investigators from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) to request a warrant from the court and submit the evidence to the NACC. Alternatively, CSD investigators can pass all evidence to the NACC, which can then request a court warrant to proceed under its authority. Clarity on the chosen approach is anticipated this afternoon.
The case involving 11 individuals found altering answer sheets during a raid in Bang Len Subdistrict, Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi Province, is under the jurisdiction of the NACC. These individuals have been designated as witnesses, and police are preparing to seek NACC's approval to summon them formally. The Crime Suppression Division is working under the NACC's direction, focusing on arrests and prosecutions based on solid evidence. The involvement of over 1,000 test takers is still under scrutiny, pending official coordination from the NACC.
Additionally, Mr. Worasit Liengprasit, Deputy Minister of Interior, addressed the Department of Local Administration's decision to postpone a Central Committee meeting scheduled for July 23rd. He explained that the delay is due to awaiting completion of the Central Committee for Local Government Employee Examinations (KST) process, emphasizing that there is no foul play involved, only a clash of timelines.