Bangkok: The Prime Minister has directed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior to cancel problematic local government examination results, citing the "poisonous fruit" theory, which mandates the nullification of outcomes derived from illegitimate processes. This decision comes amid revelations of a significant corruption scandal within local government recruitment.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul held an urgent meeting at the Government House with Deputy Minister of Interior Worasit Liengprasit, Police Lieutenant General Natthasak Chaunasai, Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Arsit Sampanrat, and other relevant agencies. This meeting follows the recent arrest of a corruption ring linked to the local government recruitment examination, which has resulted in damages exceeding 4.5 billion baht. In response, Theerut Supavibulphol, Director-General of the Department of Local Administration, has been temporarily transferred to the Ministry of Interior, effective immediately.
The Prime Minister emphasized the gravity of the situation and its public significance at the meeting's outset. He convened the agencies to discuss not only the background and future direction of the case but also the punishment of those responsible and the recovery of assets from past wrongdoings. He stressed that the investigation must lead to the cancellation of the examination results, which have already been announced, due to the illegitimacy of the process.
He invoked the "poisonous fruit" theory to justify the cancellation, underscoring that any harm caused should be pursued by affected individuals. He assured that thorough investigations and proper prosecution would protect against potential lawsuits. The Prime Minister insisted that appointments made through corrupt means are unacceptable and commended the agencies for their swift and decisive action in line with the MOU to prevent and suppress all forms of corruption.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister praised the dedication and determination of officials involved in the investigation, noting their resilience against external influences. He called for immediate action against implicated individuals, regardless of their rank, and highlighted the involvement of Department of Local Administration officials. He instructed the Ministry of Interior to ensure swift suspension of duties for implicated provincial governors, such as those in Phetchabun. He urged cooperation to address this severe issue, which threatens national progress.
The Prime Minister concluded by condemning the actions of senior officials who enabled the corruption, stressing the necessity for suppression, prevention, and prosecution to safeguard the integrity of the country's administration.