Prime Minister exposes local civil service exam bribery soaring to 700,000 baht, demands probe into private sector involvement as a network, schedules high-level police and Interior Ministry talks for thorough eradication of corruption.
On 23 June 2026, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul spoke about his directive to the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry to conduct a fact-finding investigation. This follows the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Police Anti-Corruption Division’s joint crackdown on a corrupt ring rigging local civil service recruitment exams, which led to the transfer of Theerut Supawiboonpol, Director-General of the Department of Local Administration, pending investigation.
The Prime Minister stated that the Interior Ministry’s Permanent Secretary must carry out a strict investigation under regulations, as this is a serious matter, and any negligence could lead to legal consequences. He said the extent of the Director-General’s involvement is still unknown, but a transparent investigation committee is expected to be formed. As a political figure, he affirmed he will not interfere with the process.
Anutin expressed shock at the bribery amounts involved in this scheme, noting he has never allowed personal recommendations for jobs nor permitted anyone to make such contacts. He said, "Learning of this deeply disturbs me. Reading about bribes ranging from 350,000 to 700,000 baht per candidate—before even securing a position—is shocking. Their starting salary is under 15,000 baht, yet they must pay at least 350,000 baht to enter government service for the first time. How can Thailand survive like this?"
When asked if the government intends to root out the entire corrupt system, Anutin explained that any acts of corruption or bribery must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Although the timeline for eliminating the problem is unclear, any violations must be immediately addressed. He announced a meeting on 24 June with ministers and related agencies, including the Police Anti-Corruption Division and Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, responsible for the arrests. Evidence from a safe revealed links to private companies, raising questions about how these businesses became involved in government exams. This suggests the corruption may be an organized network.
The Prime Minister emphasized that he is confident and fully empowered to manage this case, having never entrusted anyone with influence or intentions to interfere. He will let officials proceed through the justice system to filter out honest civil servants for public service.
When further asked if the investigation would extend to names of those who have already passed recruitment exams, Anutin replied that the initial focus must be on dismantling the root of the scheme before expanding the probe. The case is now in police hands. The Interior Ministry will appoint representatives to work closely with police to pursue the matter thoroughly. He believes new facts and information will continue to emerge.