Bangkok: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the immediate cancellation of the local government official recruitment exam results, following the discovery of a widespread cheating ring. Despite some officials having already been appointed, Anutin emphasized that the decision is necessary to combat corruption and maintain the integrity of the recruitment process.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister convened a high-stakes meeting with key officials, including Deputy Minister of Interior Worasit Liengprasit, Central Investigation Bureau Commander Pol. Lt. Gen. Natthasak Chaunasai, and other relevant agencies at Government House. This meeting came on the heels of a significant breakthrough by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Suppression Division (ACMSD), who uncovered a fraudulent scheme that caused damages exceeding 4.5 billion baht. As a result, Theerut Supavibulphol, Director-General of the Department of Local Administration, was transferred to an inactive role.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Anutin acknowledged the urgency of the situation and expressed gratitude to all participating agencies for their swift involvement. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive investigation into the corruption scandal, stressing that the fraudulent exam process must be annulled. Anutin assured that those implicated in the scandal would face prosecution and asset seizure, underscoring the government's commitment to eradicating corruption within the Ministry of Interior and beyond. He urged affected individuals to seek legal recourse, asserting that the investigation's integrity and evidence would withstand any legal challenges.
Anutin reiterated his stance that individuals involved in the corrupt practices are unqualified for their positions. He commended the agencies involved for their decisive and confidential handling of the situation, in line with the Memorandum of Understanding to prevent and suppress corruption. The Prime Minister called for swift action against implicated officials, regardless of their rank or location, and instructed provincial governors to promptly remove suspects from their roles.
The Prime Minister expressed concern over the betrayal of trust by senior officials and emphasized that such acts of corruption are tantamount to treason. He reassured the public of the government's stability and resolve to address the issue decisively. Anutin concluded by affirming the importance of integrity within the Thai civil service, emphasizing that no one involved in the corrupt practices would be shielded from accountability.