Bangkok: Worasit Liengprasit, Deputy Minister of Interior, has clarified that the investigation into local government corruption is progressing, with a crucial meeting scheduled next week to address the revocation of terms for corrupt officials. The investigation, centered on cheating in local government exams, is not delayed, but rather moving through necessary procedural stages to ensure thoroughness and accuracy.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Worasit revealed that the Local Government Examination Board is set to convene next week to discuss the findings of their inquiry into the civil service exam corruption. The Deputy Minister emphasized that the revocation of licenses for implicated officials is underway, not stalled, as the Central Committee for the Examination of Local Government Employees (CGE) prepares to finalize their operational principles.
The discrepancy between the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), reporting 5,960 cases, and the Department of Local Administration (DLA), reporting 5,925 cases, has raised public concern. Mr. Worasit explained that the difference could be attributed to cases unknown to the DLA, but assured that all facts would be verified and aligned in the upcoming meeting.
Addressing the public's impatience regarding the revocation of corrupt officials' credentials, Mr. Worasit explained that the process requires a series of approvals from the Local Government Personnel Administration Commission (LGPAC), the Central Committee for Local Government Officials and Employees (Central GPC), and the Provincial Committee (Provincial GPC). Each step is essential to ensure due process is followed.
Responding to the Prime Minister's call for restoring public confidence, Mr. Worasit shared the sentiment, acknowledging the impact on the Ministry of Interior. He stressed the importance of adhering to established processes and the ongoing efforts of the NACC and police to expand their investigations.
The disciplinary investigation into five civil servants from the National Statistical Office is progressing independently, with Mr. Worasit confirming that warrants have been issued. Regarding Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), he noted that any decision to blacklist the institution hinges on contractual compliance reviews.
Next week's meeting is anticipated to provide clarity on the certification and revocation processes for implicated civil servants. Mr. Worasit reassured that while an official announcement is pending, all necessary steps are being taken to ensure a resolution in accordance with legal procedures.