The Phetchabun Governor ordered the establishment of an investigative committee into the local exam cheating allegations, requiring a report within 7 days. Meanwhile, "Mr. P.", a government official suspected of involvement, has not reported to work since the news broke.
On 24 June 2026 GMT+7, reporters went to the Wichian Buri Municipality office in Tha Rong subdistrict, Wichian Buri district, Phetchabun province, to interview Air Force Sergeant Major Dr. Natthapong Thangprompanich, Mayor of Wichian Buri Municipality. This followed revelations that Mr. P., a municipal official, was suspected in a large-scale corruption case involving local government exam paper tampering in 2025, with damages estimated at 4.5 billion baht.
Upon arrival, Wichian Buri municipal staff stated the mayor was on official duty out of town. They said Mr. P. had disappeared and had not come to work since the previous day. Regarding the facts, they only confirmed that an investigative committee was being formed.
Meanwhile, the Wichian Buri Municipality Facebook page issued a statement clarifying that the municipality was not involved in the exam cheating scandal. It noted that officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Anti-Corruption Division had conducted raids and arrests related to the corruption ring involving local government employee recruitment, which had affected the municipality's reputation.
The municipality emphasized it had no involvement, knowledge, or participation in the corrupt process and expressed willingness to fully cooperate with authorities to ensure transparency in the investigation.
Reports indicate the Phetchabun Governor, as supervisor, sent an urgent letter to the Wichian Buri Mayor ordering a fact-finding investigation and appropriate action within their authority, with results to be reported to the province within 7 days from receipt of the letter.
Regarding the accused official, the Phetchabun Provincial Municipal Employee Committee approved the transfer from Rha Raeng Subdistrict Municipality, Lat Lum Kaeo district, Pathum Thani province, to Wichian Buri Municipality on 2 February 2026.
On the matter of suspension during investigation, the Phetchabun Governor stated this authority rests with the Provincial Municipal Employee Committee. If Wichian Buri Municipality considers suspension appropriate during the fact-finding, it can propose this to the committee for consideration in accordance with regulations.