Bangkok:Worasit Liengprasit, Deputy Minister of Interior, chaired a central government meeting focused on the recovery of salaries from local government officials who cheated on exams. The meeting aimed to finalize a resolution to reclaim these salaries, with the issue set to be forwarded to the Council of State for legal guidance and action.
According to Thai News Agency, Worasit emphasized the urgency of the matter, although the exact amount to be recovered has yet to be determined. The resolution involves approximately 3,000 positions that were filled and later revoked due to the exam cheating scandal. The process requires consultation with the Council of State to ensure compliance with legal procedures and to avoid future complications.
During the meeting, several agencies, including the Department of the Comptroller General and the Office of the Civil Service Commission, participated to discuss the agenda. Worasit also addressed recruitment issues, highlighting the limitations of the registration system, which can handle only 2,000 applicants per day. Additional recruitment efforts are planned for November.
In a separate matter, Worasit commended local officials for their swift response to flooding in Phuket, which began on October 26th. He warned of continued heavy rainfall and emphasized the need for ongoing monitoring. An investigation is underway regarding illegal land encroachment, which contributed to a landslide in the area. Worasit stated that a coordinated effort is being made to assess and compensate affected residents, with the first installment of 10,000 baht already being expedited.
Worasit also addressed rumors of a potential no-confidence debate under Section 152, asserting that he and the cabinet are ready to clarify any concerns. He expressed confidence in the integrity of his work and the right of opposition parties to submit motions, while declining to speculate on political strategies.