The Prime Minister clarified that the order to nullify local exam fraud applies only to the offenders, who will be removed from their positions even if already appointed, and that this is not a blanket action. Regarding the audio clip, he said it is an old recording that does not help anyone and advised "Dech Ism" not to respond yet to avoid appearing defensive.
At 13:45 on 24 Jun 2026 at the Thai Koo Fah Building, Government House, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul spoke about convening relevant agencies earlier that morning to address local civil service exam fraud. He said the meeting was to give orders and assign responsible units to urgently act and prosecute the offenders, finding ways to prevent recurrence. On the case facts, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior has appointed Deputy Permanent Secretary Santithon Yimlamai to chair a fact-finding committee to determine if the allegations are true, noting the audacity of altering local civil service exam papers to favor certain candidates. Those appointed through such fraud are taking advantage unfairly, constituting corruption and a form of betrayal by denying opportunities to qualified individuals and competing against corrupt officials from their first day in service.
When asked if the entire exam would be nullified, the Prime Minister said, "Why does the news headline it that way? Sometimes I must ask the media. Sometimes they don’t understand my intent and sensationalize the headlines, causing unnecessary alarm. I said that if fraud is found, the fraudulent parts must be nullified. Some clarified that many have already been appointed as civil servants. I said if those appointed are the source of the problem, then all must be removed, like a theory of poisonous fruit: if the origin is wrong, the entire process is wrong. That must be the goal."
"I have encountered arguments that even if wrong, once appointed to senior civil service levels like C9 or C10, it’s too late to revoke appointments, as courts take time and by then they have advanced. But I say this case is different. These officials have worked less than a year. If they came through a legitimate exam, no problem. But if they gained entry through exam tampering, then all must be nullified."
Regarding when the local exam fraud began, the Prime Minister said the exam took place in December 2025, during his tenure. However, the exam process is managed by the department and local authorities. He had previously canceled the exam and urged a halt to testing. Since his appointment in 2023, no exams had been held until pressure mounted, claiming that no new civil servants had been added for 2-3 years and work was unmanageable, so testing was allowed. The decision to allow or not was the department’s responsibility, and they changed exam management from Burapha University to Srinakharinwirot University, following proper procedures. Yet, exam answer leaks occurred, and worse, exam papers were altered. This is why the Permanent Secretary must take action. Even if management was not involved, appointing such candidates affects work efficiency.
When asked if he had heard the audio clip alleging ministerial involvement, the Prime Minister said the clip is less important than evidence. It is unknown whether the clip is genuine or fake. He heard it on social media, but no one has officially presented it as part of the case file. Police are investigating. If genuine, full prosecution will follow. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior, as a victim, will file a complaint. Earlier, police reported they could not proceed because the case file was with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The first complainants who claimed unfairness after passing the exam but not being appointed had filed with the NACC, not the police, so police could only assist. Therefore, the Ministry of Interior, as a victim, will file directly with the police to enable direct investigation.
Asked whether a deputy minister’s involvement would be dealt with, Anutin said anyone involved must be held accountable. Reports indicate the clip is old, before the current cabinet. In December 2025, deputy ministers of the Ministry of Interior included Sakda Wichiansilp, Songsak Thongsri, and Sasithorn Kittithorakul. The clip claims to be from December but the year is unknown. It must be investigated whether the clip is authentic or AI-generated, noting the male voice sounds unusually calm. Verifying its truthfulness should not be difficult. When asked if the clip’s timeframe was during months when Anutin was not at the Ministry, he said he was absent only from June to September 2025. There were four directors-general overseeing the department responsible, the Department of Local Administration, so the investigation can be focused. Relevant agencies are gathering evidence; even one altered exam sheet is enough to prove wrongdoing.
When asked about former Deputy Minister of Interior Dech Ism Khaothong’s denial of involvement, Anutin said there is no need for anyone to deny; the matter depends on the investigation. Denying now might appear defensive. The investigation will proceed fully with no exceptions, no leniency regardless of identity or relations. Whether close, distant, or unknown, it does not matter. The focus is on behavior. If strict measures were not applied, the most affected would be himself; sometimes he has no relatives.
Asked if repeated news of this kind surprised him, Anutin said he had heard rumors in Sisaket Province before but didn’t believe such audacity. Now, the details are clear: how exam boxes were taken to unrelated places, why secure rooms in government agencies were not used, and why they were stored at unknown companies. When he became Minister of Interior in 2023-24, he had suspended exams not because he didn’t want civil servants but because of such rumors. He demanded explanations; when none were forthcoming, exams were halted to fix issues step by step. Asked if the Ministry of Interior can handle so many crises, he said if problems arise from corruption, the question is not whether they can handle it but that they must. If they don’t act, they would be negligent, which is not a concern. Disagreements or conflicts are another matter, but corruption and inefficiency harming the public must be fully addressed.
When asked if investigations will be retrospective, Anutin said that expanding the inquiry both ways will cover everyone involved. Whoever is implicated will face consequences. Despite many problems, they must be fixed. The presumption is that civil servants love the country. To prove wrongdoing, justice must prevail. It is better to punish one innocent person than to let 100 guilty ones go free. There are principles in place, so everything must be done carefully.