Nakhon ratchasima: A former inspector from the Department of Local Administration has publicly called for an explanation from a university following allegations of score manipulation in local government official exams. Mr. Manas Suwannarin, now the Deputy Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, took to Facebook to express concerns over the findings of the National Anti-Corruption Commission's (NACC) investigation, which has uncovered a bribery scheme linked to exam score alterations.
According to Thai News Agency, the ongoing investigation has implicated an individual, identified only as "Sergeant P.", in a scheme involving demands of 350,000 baht to alter answers for general positions, and between 700,000 and 800,000 baht for highly competitive roles. Mr. Suwannarin emphasized that any manipulation of answer sheets would require access to the university's confidential answer keys, which the Department of Local Administration was not privy to, as per the Terms of Reference.
Mr. Suwannarin further clarified that the material under scrutiny was not an actual exam paper but a printout from a scanned PDF file used in answer grading. He explained that the Terms of Reference required the grading machine to scan photographs, with data subsequently saved to a hard drive and shared with both the university and the Department of Local Administration. He noted that photocopies were printed to facilitate score manipulation before final processing, but refrained from speculating on who was responsible for the printing.
In response to suspicions regarding high-ranking officials in Wichian Buri Municipality being involved in the concealment of answer sheets, the municipality has issued a statement denying any involvement or awareness of the corruption allegations. They have expressed their readiness to fully cooperate with the investigation.
Additionally, Mr. Saranyu Meethongkham, Governor of Phetchabun Province, has formally requested an expedited inquiry into the allegations from the Mayor of Wichian Buri Municipality. The governor has mandated a comprehensive report on the findings to be submitted within seven days of the request.