The Chief of the Central Investigation Bureau revealed that charges have been filed against five suspects in the exam fraud case, with eight others—including the former Director-General of the Department of Local Administration (DLA)—postponing their appearances this week. The case is set to be forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for further action, highlighting clear evidence of government officials’ involvement.
At 14:00 on 3 August at the Central Investigation Bureau headquarters, Police Lieutenant General Natthasak Chaowanachai, Chief of the Central Investigation Bureau, provided an update following the issuance of summonses to 13 suspects to acknowledge charges.
Police Lieutenant General Natthasak stated that summonses have been issued to all 13 suspects. Currently, five have appeared to acknowledge charges, while the remaining eight have requested to postpone their appearances. This group includes Mr. Theerut Supaviboonpol, the former Director-General of the Department of Local Administration. It is expected that the former Director-General will come to acknowledge the charges within this week. The other seven who requested postponements are coordinating with their lawyers and are anticipated to appear gradually early next week. This is their first request to delay.
Of the five suspects who have appeared, one is personnel from Srinakharinwirot University and four are government officials found at the residence on the day of the incident. Among them is Mr. Ruangdet Sirikit, Director of the Office of Educational and Psychological Testing at Srinakharinwirot University, who had previously testified as a witness. He has now appeared to acknowledge charges as a suspect.
Mr. Ruangdet maintains his previous testimony. Initially, the investigators have formally charged him and currently see no need to summon him for further questioning.
Evidence now clearly shows that government officials were involved in the wrongdoing, with charges varying among suspects, including being principals and accomplices. Once investigators complete gathering all evidence and testimonies, the case will be forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to decide whether to assign the Central Investigation Bureau to proceed or to conduct its own inquiry. The case file is expected to be completed and sent to the NACC by Wednesday next week or by 12 August 2021 at the latest.