What Is a Local Government Official? Salary Rates, Job Positions, and How to Join the Civil Service

Amid the news of exam cheating and fraud in local government official entrance exams which has become a hot social issue, many have turned their attention and asked," Who are local government officials "and what are their duties, and why do the competitive exams attract so many applicants every year? Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also referenced the “ poisoned fruit theory " in this context.

The job security, career advancement opportunities, and attractive benefits make local civil service a dream career for many. Thairath Online will introduce local government officials more closely, covering job characteristics, the latest salary rates, and the examination path to appointment.

Getting to know "local government officials" What are they and where do they work?

Local government officials or local government employees are public sector personnel working in local administrative organizations (LAOs). They are responsible for directly caring for and improving the quality of life of people in their areas, covering infrastructure, education, public health, environment, and various public services.

The nature of work for" local government officials "involves close interaction with the public, giving them a vital role in addressing problems and developing communities concretely at the local level. They receive salaries and benefits funded by the budget of their respective local administrative organizations.

Local administrative organizations that hire local government officials include:

• Provincial Administrative Organizations (PAOs)
• Metropolitan, city, and subdistrict municipalities
• Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (SAOs)
• Special local administrative bodies, such as Pattaya City

Job position categories for local government officials in 2026

Career advancement paths in the local government civil service are divided into four main groups as follows:

1. General category positions

Suitable for graduates with vocational certificates (V.O.C., V.T.C., or V.O.S.), focusing on operational and support tasks within the agency, such as administrative officers, finance and accounting officers, or civil engineers.

2. Academic category positions

For those with a bachelor's degree or higher, requiring specialized knowledge to perform duties, such as policy analysts, legal officers, human resources officers, engineers, or architects.

3. Local administrative management category positions

Mid-level management or supervisors responsible for overseeing and managing internal agency operations, such as department heads or division directors.

4. Local executive management category positions

Senior executives of local administrative organizations responsible for setting direction and overall management, such as deputy chief executive officers or chief executive officers of local administrative bodies.

Local government official salary rates for 2026 under the new structure (Schedule 6) starting at the operational level: Operational - Senior level

The Central Committee of Local Government Officials (K.J., K.T., and K.SAO) has approved revisions to the salary schedule for local government employees, known as"Schedule 6."This will take effect from 1 April 2026 onward, setting minimum and maximum salary rates by position category as follows:

1. Local executive management positions

• Senior level: 25,770 – 80,450 baht
• Mid level: 22,700 – 68,640 baht
• Entry level: 15,850 – 51,140 baht

2. Local administrative management positions

• Senior level: 25,080 – 78,020 baht
• Mid level: 22,140 – 67,560 baht
• Entry level: 15,430 – 50,170 baht

3. Academic category positions

• Expert level: 24,400 – 77,380 baht
• Senior specialist level: 21,550 – 66,490 baht
• Specialist level: 15,050 – 49,580 baht
• Operational level: 9,740 – 30,020 baht

4. General category positions

• Senior level: 18,010 – 54,090 baht
• Skilled level: 13,470 – 40,900 baht
• Operational level: 8,750 – 25,020 baht

These rates represent the minimum and maximum salary frameworks for each position level. Actual salaries depend on qualifications, experience, position level, and salary increments based on individual performance.

Note: Referenced fromthe Local Government Employee Salary Schedule 6.Currently, salary increases for local government officials are adjusted by"percentage-based increments"to fairly reflect each individual's job performance.

Clearing doubts: What exams must you pass to become a local government official in 2026?

The competitive examination to be appointed as a local government official is conducted by the Central Committee on Local Government Employee Examinations (K.S.T.). Applicants must pass three main stages:

Part A: General knowledge and ability

Tests basic skills necessary for civil service work, such as Thai language, mathematics, English, and knowledge about being a good civil servant.

Part B: Position-specific knowledge

Assesses knowledge directly related to the applied position, including laws, regulations, and specialized professional knowledge.

Part C: Interview

After passing Parts A and B, candidates undergo interviews to assess personality, attitude, and suitability for civil service duties before being placed on the successful candidates list.

Local government officials: A stable career close to the people that requires integrity and ethics

Local government officials are a sought-after civil service career due to job stability, good benefits, and growth opportunities. They play a crucial role in community development and directly serving local people. Beyond knowledge and skills, incumbents must uphold honesty and ethics because they are entrusted by the public.

However, the current wave of local government exam cheating scandals under social scrutiny highlights the importance of transparent and fair personnel selection to ensure capable and ethical individuals truly serve the public.

Source of information : Department of Local Administration, Ministry of Interior

Read more articles

• Understanding the “poisoned fruit theory”: What is it and why did Anutin mention it in the 2026 local exam corruption case?
• Plans to expand investigation into local exam cheating: Even those who passed fraudulently won't escape; estimated money flow is 4.5 billion baht.