Mr. Assisit Sampanrat vehemently denied any involvement of his wife in the audio clip alleging local exam corruption. He expressed confidence that those making false claims will face consequences within three to seven days, emphasized strict law enforcement, and questioned whether the targeting of him aims to divert attention from other matters.
At 11:00 a.m. on 28 June 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Assisit Sampanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, held a press conference in the Rajsee meeting room at the Ministry of Interior following rumors that an audio clip implicated his wife in soliciting bribes related to local government exams. He stated that throughout his and his wife’s lives, they have served honestly and advanced through merit. He cited his past roles as Governor of Lamphun and Tak provinces, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, and Permanent Secretary. His wife has worked with international companies, earning recognition and promotion based on performance, without involvement in local political or bureaucratic systems, though she has devoted time to assist in official duties despite significant management work abroad.
"I am willing to provide a brief biography of my wife to anyone seeking accurate information. I solemnly affirm, as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, that all claims linking us to senior figures in the government are entirely false. I firmly believe in the principle that those who deliberately spread falsehoods or deny wrongdoing will face consequences within three to seven days. I will enforce the law fully to ensure justice."
When asked how he would respond to the false claims, Mr. Assisit said he would apply the law in all matters, professional or personal. When reporters asked if he would file complaints or press charges, he said he would consider the steps but insisted on strict legal enforcement. Regarding rumors possibly aimed at undermining his position, he said, "As Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, I have advanced through ranks, and today, we are investigating corruption thoroughly to identify all involved and pursue full legal action."
"It is well known that I have never engaged in wrongdoing. Upon the emergence of these news reports concerning local exams, I promptly consulted the Prime Minister and assigned the Director-General to the ministry. I personally established a fact-finding committee, led by the Deputy Permanent Secretary responsible for Community Development and Local Administration, to complete its work within seven days. We have also instructed the Department of Local Administration to increase security at government offices." "Yesterday (27 June), the Prime Minister inspected the affected agencies before traveling to Paris, France. He emphasized the need for transparency and public trust, recognizing the gravity and dignity of the Ministry of Interior. As Permanent Secretary, I am committed to resolving this matter fully and urge the public to trust that we will conclude this investigation and hold wrongdoers accountable."
When asked whether he believed the allegations were politically motivated or orchestrated by individuals seeking to undermine him, Mr. Assisit stated that he has dealt with corruption cases extensively. Suddenly, an unknown clip surfaced from abroad, falsely implicating his wife, who has no connection to government affairs. While some believe the disseminated information, he suspects the aim is to overshadow other emerging news involving actual wrongdoers, causing harm and distress. He stressed his commitment to addressing these falsehoods and expects the perpetrators to face consequences within three to seven days.
. "I do not know where the clip originated or how it reached foreign parties. Reporters familiar with the page should inquire about the source. There is no credible evidence supporting these claims. I have said I will not give credence to such baseless accusations because they lack value. If false accusations were directed at oneself, one would understand the impact. As Permanent Secretary, I must continue my duties and thoroughly investigate this matter to identify and punish those responsible. The Prime Minister has expressed similar views regarding the clip, though people have conflated this issue with broader matters. Everyone should exercise judgment. Transparency and truth are essential. We in the Ministry of Interior are responsible for alleviating public hardship. Anyone with evidence should report it. Before departing for Paris, the Prime Minister authorized the Office of the Prime Minister’s Permanent Secretary to accept complaints. Anyone suffering harm should come forward. The Ministry of Interior is committed to transparency and clarity; this is the Ministry’s honor."
Additionally, Mr. Assisit confirmed he does not know the individuals in the audio clip and questioned the origin of the material. He denied claims that his wife is related to senior government figures, which have been exaggerated. He noted that such allegations could harm those officials. He mentioned receiving a LINE message from a relative asking if his wife is related to him.
Mr. Assisit emphasized: 1. The allegations may be attempts to divert attention, as prior to the news about him, there were other matters under discussion that then diminished when the focus shifted. 2. Certainly, some ill-intentioned individuals seek to discredit him and, failing that, target his wife, which is common but unjustified since she is uninvolved and should not be implicated.
He also addressed questions about links to the transfer of senior officials in Phuket province, saying the responsible parties should be asked how they feel. The Ministry of Interior’s duty is to resolve issues arising. He personally ordered the transfer of two deputy governors due to unresolved problems, informing the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, who agreed with the actions. New officials have taken over, and he believes improvements will continue.
When asked whether there are internal conflicts within the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Assisit responded, "In my career, I have never had conflicts with anyone. I have worked responsibly from junior positions up to director, deputy governor, deputy director-general, and governor. I believe conflicts arise from others who may instigate or cause division. Those with awareness understand that holding important positions is to serve the public without other agendas. Since entering civil service, no one knows the final position they will reach, but steady work leads some to grow. As King Rama IX said, 'Understand, Access, Develop' and 'Know, Love, Unite' are vital. We inherit and sustain the organization through unity. Anyone who disrupts unity or causes discord will face consequences in the future."
Mr. Assisit also updated on the local exam corruption investigation, stating the appointed committee led by Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr. Santithorn Yimlamai is progressing with increased information and will report within seven days. Afterwards, results will be presented to the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior to extend further actions. "We must resolve this thoroughly and transparently to maintain public confidence in the Ministry of Interior’s work. Please trust that we are fully committed."
Regarding complaints, Mr. Assisit explained that reports are reviewed to identify issues, such as candidates who passed but were not announced or those bribed but failed. These points require investigation to clarify all aspects.
Mr. Assisit reiterated, "The Prime Minister is concerned and has emphasized key points in this case. I have ordered security personnel and the Department of Disaster Prevention to guard important government offices. Before traveling to Paris, the Prime Minister inspected the situation and saw the tight security. We will investigate thoroughly to find the key perpetrators. We will not only prosecute those caught but will trace their contacts fully. I have stated that this matter must be cleared completely. All involved must be punished."
The short timeframe for the committee’s investigation aims to uncover facts. Partial conclusions will be expanded upon. Criminal proceedings have been filed by the Ministry and the Department of Local Administration, with police conducting parallel disciplinary and criminal investigations. The entire country is being examined, and all provincial governors have been informed to monitor their areas. Victims should not remain silent; indifference allows wrongdoers to evade justice.
Regarding the Phuket Permanent Secretary case, Mr. Assisit said it involves two aspects: criminal matters handled by police, and if state officials are involved, police will refer cases to the Ministry. The Ministry is verifying all possible corruption connections.
Towards the end, Mr. Assisit mentioned the scheduled local government recruit reporting on 1 July 2026. Initially, the Department of Local Administration advised postponement, but the Central Committee decided to proceed with reporting. Absentees will forfeit their rights. Investigations are coordinated continuously with police and the National Anti-Corruption Commission to consolidate consistent data for criminal and disciplinary processes.
"We are all anxious to know the outcome. The internal investigation is nearing its deadline, and findings will be revealed. Please trust that no negligence will occur; anyone at fault will be held accountable."
Mrs. Jinnarat Sampanrat, is Chief Operating Officer of Omnicom Media Thailand and Vice President of the Media Agency and Business Association of Thailand. As COO, she drives organizational growth by developing talent, enhancing capabilities, and applying data, technology, and innovation to create business value for clients amid continuous change.
With over 25 years in media, marketing, and brand communication, she has contributed to the growth of leading organizations and brands in Thailand and the region. Her experience spans consumer goods, retail, telecommunications, automotive, finance, and services, with expertise in linking business strategy, consumer insight, and media potential to achieve business outcomes and sustainable growth.
As a leader, Jinnarat believes sustainable change begins with people. She emphasizes fostering a culture of learning, talent development, and cross-functional collaboration to enable the organization to adapt and grow amid evolving technology, consumer behavior, and media landscape.