The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior revealed that the investigation into the local civil service recruitment fraud is close to completion. He emphasized the need to uncover everyone involved in the operation and indicated plans to forward the findings to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for further investigation. He also affirmed he does not know “Mr. Kit.” The tags are ["local government", "corruption investigation", "civil service recruitment", "Ministry of Interior", "anti-corruption"]
At 10:45 a.m. on 1 July 2026 at the Ministry of Interior headquarters, Mr. Assit Sampanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, disclosed progress on the ministry’s fact-finding committee investigating corruption in the recruitment exams for local civil servants under the Department of Local Administration. He said Mr. Santithorn Yimlamai, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and committee chair, is working with other members to finalize the investigation report, after which he will announce the results. The tags are ["Ministry of Interior", "corruption investigation", "local civil service", "official statement"]
Regarding the expected findings from this investigation, Mr. Assit said the committee will present conclusions since the investigation is conducted under the Ministry of Interior’s authority, which includes some officials within the ministry. The goal is to identify all individuals involved in the process and proceed accordingly. Additionally, the police are conducting a criminal investigation, and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is also investigating with a set timeline of 3 to 6 months. Preliminary evidence has been identified, and the Ministry of Interior and NACC will collaborate closely to integrate information and pinpoint deficiencies to unify the data set. The tags are ["investigation", "Ministry of Interior", "police", "NACC", "collaboration"]
When asked about which levels of officials have been found guilty so far, the Permanent Secretary said that question should be directed to the Deputy Permanent Secretary responsible, as he himself is not involved in the investigation process. The tags are ["official misconduct", "investigation", "Ministry of Interior"]
Asked whether there will be an official announcement, Mr. Assit said there must be one for the public; it cannot be concealed. Part of the Ministry of Interior’s investigation results will be forwarded to the NACC to assist in further investigation. The tags are ["public announcement", "transparency", "investigation results", "NACC"]
Regarding the progress on filing legal action related to allegations involving the Permanent Secretary’s wife, Mr. Assit said he has not followed up but emphasized that legal procedures are being enforced in all cases. To ensure fairness and address false claims, action must be taken; otherwise, wrongdoers would evade accountability. He stated that those who have seen the audio clip do not know him personally. Everyone who knows him understands the truth, though he refrained from self-praise. He firmly denied any involvement in the matter and thanked everyone for their understanding following prior press conferences. The tags are ["legal action", "allegations", "Permanent Secretary", "reputation", "corruption"]
When asked about Mr. Kit, mentioned in the audio clip and whether he would come forward to hear charges, Mr. Assit said he was unaware. Regarding Mr. Kit’s intention to file a complaint against "Nong Som," he welcomed anyone revealing the truth, saying it is beneficial. Ultimately, the goal is to identify as many key perpetrators as possible. Anyone with information is encouraged to file complaints at the Office of the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister (OPSP). He reiterated that he does not personally know Mr. Kit, though there is information that Mr. Kit is a former local civil servant. The tags are ["Mr. Kit", "complaint", "corruption investigation", "Ministry of Interior", "whistleblowing"]}],