Somsak has dispatched a legal team to sue 'Kit' and 'Som,' individuals in the audio clip, tomorrow. He says he already knows their identities, insists he is not involved, and vows to do everything possible to prevent corruption in local exams. He asks people not to jump to conclusions about Anutin Anulom and to wait for the work's results.
At 13:06 on 29 June 2026 GMT+7. Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thongsri. He spoke at the Government House before chairing the 2/2026 National Water Resources Committee meeting regarding preparations to have the legal team file charges against those releasing an audio clip. The clip involves conversations about corruption in local government official exams. Regarding the damage caused, Somsak said initial review of the clip showed no mention of his name, suggesting audio was extracted. However, later clips included his name connected to his time as Deputy Minister of the Interior, from when General Anupong Paochinda was Interior Minister, continuing into Anutin Charnvirakul's first term as Prime Minister and Interior Minister, during which Somsak also served as Deputy Minister of the Interior and was assigned to attend central meetings related to local affairs. He does not deny this.
But the recent news harms his reputation due to the local exam corruption allegations. He insists he actively prevented corruption. As chair of the central committee meetings, he stressed that if corruption is found, the university conducting the exam must be held accountable, and offenders may face special cases. He said anti-corruption measures were included in the TOR, such as requiring exams to be taken on-site. Despite these efforts, some have suggested he was involved, as the clips imply his name is connected to the exams.
Somsak continued, affirming he is not involved but is committed to preventing corruption. Since the news has spread, doing nothing legally would imply acceptance. Therefore, he will exercise his rights by having his legal team file complaints tomorrow (30 June 2026 GMT+7) at 10:00 at Thung Song Hong Police Station against those in the clip who mention or defame him. Anyone harming his reputation will face legal action.
Asked if he supervised the Department of Local Administration during the exams, Somsak said Anutin assigned him to chair the central committee and attend all meetings of provincial, municipal, and subdistrict committees. When pressed about any suspicions, he said only rumors exist with no facts. He noted they closed loopholes and included TOR measures to prevent corruption, such as scanning exam papers before secure storage.
Asked if he knows the identities of those in the clip, Somsak replied, "We have all the information but will not disclose it now. I can only say the nicknames heard in the media are 'Som' for a woman and 'Kit' for a man. We now know their real names. After filing complaints, investigators will summon them for statements as they have defamed me. I confirm I do not know these people and do not understand how they could falsely use my name." He added he heard one clip where they said they didn't know him but knew his team. He spoke with his team, and no one is involved. He does not yet know the clip's purpose, as it references multiple people, but it was recorded before the local exam contract signing.
Regarding whether the clip is genuine or AI-generated, Somsak said that is the police's responsibility. If those in the clip deny speaking, it could be AI. But since his name is implicated, if he does nothing, people might assume he accepts the claims. He rejects this, affirms his innocence, and denies knowing those named.
On criticism about appointing Santi Thon Yimlamai, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, as head of the exam corruption fact-finding committee despite his nearing retirement, Somsak said the committee is mature and that the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office receives all information. The Prime Minister is serious about this. He urges the public to wait for examination of the actual exam papers stored securely, which will reveal who is involved in corruption. Regarding speculation about Anutin Anulom, Somsak asked people to focus on the work and not make excessive assumptions.
When asked if this issue could affect the government's image, Somsak said he believes the public understands the government's nature. Those who disagree may see it differently, but the government is trying its best and working sincerely.