Deputy Minister of Interior Worasit is preparing to convene the central committee to address local civil service exam fraud. He explained that the appointment freeze order starting 1 July will not impact those already appointed. He stressed the need to separate those who passed legitimately from cheaters, declaring that anyone who committed wrongdoing must face prosecution even if they resign first.
At 08:20 on 25 June 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Worasit Liangprasith, Deputy Minister of Interior, gave an interview at the Government House regarding the Department of Local Administration (DLA). The DLA issued an order on 24 June 2026 to delay appointments and hiring of successful candidates from 1 July 2026 in all provinces. There are also public concerns about how those already appointed before the order will be handled. He said the appointment freeze is a DLA order issued on 24 June, and a central committee meeting is scheduled today to consider the matter. Those already appointed will remain in place.
Mr. Worasit further revealed, "What must be done now is to accelerate the verification process to quickly distinguish those who passed on their own merit from those involved in fraud." "This will allow proper measures to be taken. Those who studied and passed fairly must not have their rights affected."
Asked whether a timeline has been set for separating legitimate candidates from those involved in fraud, Mr. Worasit said, the Ministry of Interior has formed a committee to conduct an internal investigation within seven days. However, identifying everyone involved may take longer, because the examination must be thorough to avoid infringing on innocent people's rights. At the policy level, instructions are to proceed as quickly as possible.
When asked about further expansion of the investigation, Mr. Worasit said the team has identified the patterns and methods used in the fraudulent scheme and how to trace those involved. Details will be handled by the investigation team. He emphasized the need to extend the inquiry further, believing that where the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has detected issues, they will continue to expand investigations.
Regarding recent witness intimidation and house shootings in Phatthalung Province, the Deputy Minister said victims must report to the police. He has discussed with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior this morning about collecting information from victims for further action and expanding investigations.
When asked if the probe will extend beyond Phetchabun Province, Mr. Worasit said the investigation team is already expanding into other areas where similar incidents have occurred, but he declined to specify which locations. Asked about some implicated individuals resigning preemptively, Mr. Worasit said this has no effect. Whether or not they resign is irrelevant; what matters is whether they committed wrongdoing. Those who did will face legal proceedings regardless of resignation. ."