Deputy Education Minister Akkranun emphasized fairness for Teacher Nim regarding the case where she initially ranked first in the exam but was dropped to second place, losing the chance to be appointed as a civil servant teacher. He ordered an urgent investigation to clarify the matter, expecting results within two weeks.
29 Jun 2026 GMT+7 Ms. Chanatda Warasan, also known as Teacher Nim, submitted a letter to the Minister of Education, entrusting Mr. Akkranun Kankittinan, Deputy Minister of Education, to receive the letter on her behalf to request an investigation into issues related to the teacher recruitment exam process, after she initially ranked first but was later moved to second place. Before the interview, Akkranun, Teacher Nim, and the OBEC Secretary-General held a closed-door discussion lasting over 20 minutes.
After the meeting, Akkranun said the Ministry of Education is concerned and working to resolve the issue. He understands Teacher Nim's feelings and said that Education Minister Yotsanan Wongsawat has instructed that the case be managed carefully to ensure fairness for Teacher Nim and others, aiming for a positive outcome. Regarding remedies, after internal discussions, the priority is to ensure the investigation process is clear and acceptable to all parties. They may present the exam papers to a trusted committee to reassure everyone that the grading was neutral, accurate, and fair. If the review process is flawed, further steps cannot proceed, and Teacher Nim might not accept other remedies. The next step involves OBEC reinstating Teacher Nim as a teacher, but transparency in the investigation must come first.
Teacher Nim said she followed the correct procedures throughout the exam, from the education district's instructions to the interview and score compilation. She adhered to all regulations. The university had offered options such as a contract position or donating money to schools needing assistance, but she wants a proper investigation regardless of the outcome. She accepts the result only if the truth is acknowledged. She lost opportunities after resigning from her previous job and booking accommodation near the school to prepare for official appointment as a civil servant teacher, aiming to be a good teacher and a national role model. She also held a farewell party at her former school.
When asked if this case resembles local exam fraud involving answer sheet tampering, given the similarity in circumstances, Teacher Nim responded, she wants the Ministry of Education to thoroughly investigate for accuracy. She has not formed a fixed opinion yet. After today's talk with the Deputy Minister, she feels much more reassured and comfortable. Previously, promises were uncertain, but direct communication with the minister today gave her confidence and compassion. He recognizes the situation of a contract teacher preparing for civil service appointment. Regarding the investigation timeframe, Akkranun said it must be done as quickly as possible, expecting results within two weeks.
Meanwhile, Mr. Pichet Phophakdee, OBEC Secretary-General, added that OBEC oversees 30,000 schools, over 400,000 teachers, and more than 6 million students. The Education Minister has ordered strict adherence to regulations to ensure fairness, transparency, and prevent fraud. The Deputy Minister reiterated that such issues must not occur during their tenure and fairness must be ensured in all matters. Similar incidents at other agencies serve as lessons, prompting emphasis to education district directors as the assistant teacher exam approaches. Teacher Nim is a special assistant teacher who has been a contract teacher for three years and took the small-scale exam; a larger exam will follow. Such incidents must be prevented. The universities providing exam questions to various agencies and the Ministry must exercise greater caution and transparency.
The OBEC Secretary-General also said that while awaiting clarity, Teacher Nim can work as a contract teacher at Suan Dusit University if she feels uncomfortable returning to her former school since she has already held a farewell party. Once the investigation confirms correctness, Teacher Nim wishes to teach at any OBEC-affiliated school; she just needs to be informed, and he is willing to assist.
Additionally, Akkranun exchanged contact details with Teacher Nim and said she can reach out to him anytime for help or support, and he is ready to assist fully.