Deputy Interior Minister Warasit is preparing additional investigations into whether the Department of Local Administration (DLA) is involved after detecting local government exam corruption causing losses exceeding 4.5 billion baht, with more than 3,000 people implicated and potentially more. He emphasized waiting for clearer information first before taking action. Tags: [corruption investigation, local government exams, Department of Local Administration, Deputy Interior Minister, financial loss]
On 23 June 2026, Mr. Warasit Liangprasert, Deputy Minister of the Interior, commented on the case where the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) arrested a corruption ring involved in local government official recruitment exams, resulting in damages over 4.5 billion baht in Nonthaburi Province. He explained this issue stems from the 2025 local government exams, which had been flagged for irregularities. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had signed an MOU with five agencies to review the entire exam process and prevent corruption. Recently, evidence of corruption was found, leading to NACC's operational response.
When asked whether those who passed the exam but were involved in corruption would have their results annulled, Warasit said it was too early to discuss. The Department of Local Administration (DLA) had commissioned the exam, with the contracted party conducting the tests and evaluations. Once the process is reviewed, results are sent back to the DLA for announcement. The DLA must investigate who within the department may be involved and take appropriate action if officials are found to have participated. He urged patience until clearer facts emerge, including whether those who paid bribes will be penalized.
Regarding which university was hired to organize the exams, Warasit said, if he remembers correctly, it was Srinakharinwirot University (SWU).
On preliminary reports about when the corruption began, Warasit said he would not speculate on the past. According to news reports, about 3,000 people were involved, but he believes the real number is higher. Whether more will be discovered depends on future factual findings. The total number of exam candidates was in the hundreds of thousands.
Asked at which stage of the exam process the corruption occurred, Warasit said he could not specify yet, as clear information is needed. The process is very complex, and without certainty, it is inappropriate to comment. He asked for patience as more information will be released soon.
When asked if the investigation would extend to the District Chief Officers’ School, Warasit replied that this had not been discussed yet. He is responsible for the Department of Local Administration and must ensure the matter is resolved and those involved are dealt with.
Regarding whether the problem stems from centralized examinations, Warasit explained there are two exam formats: one where local governments conduct the tests themselves, which has its own issues, and the other is centralized exams, now divided into ten centers, which also face different challenges. He stated that corruption can occur via either method, depending on how prevention measures are implemented.