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Interior Ministry Official Explains 7-Day Probe into Local Exam Corruption: Slow but Certain, Better Than Rushing and Mistakes

Politic01 Jul 2026 14:54 GMT+7

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Interior Ministry Official Explains 7-Day Probe into Local Exam Corruption: Slow but Certain, Better Than Rushing and Mistakes

Worasit, Deputy Interior Minister, explained that the committee investigating corruption in local exams requires 7 working days due to the complexity involved. He declined to comment on whether high-ranking Interior Ministry officials were implicated, awaiting a summary briefing on Friday. He acknowledged already knowing who the key figures ('To') are and emphasized that the Prime Minister personally ordered the investigation; if such figures are found, they will be thoroughly pursued.


At 1:30 p.m. on 1 July 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Worasit Liangprasith, Deputy Minister of Interior. Spoke about the progress. Of the investigation into corruption in local government official examinations. Currently under review by the committee, which set a 7-working-day timeframe to conclude by this Friday (3 July). The investigation team reported having interviewed all relevant individuals. Within one to two days, they will summarize the findings to report to the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry. The inquiry expects to reveal patterns of misconduct, and after fact-finding, involved oversight agencies may proceed with further actions.

Asked whether Friday's announcement will include both those who committed corruption and those who did not, Worasit said the Interior Ministry's fact-finding committee focuses on internal ministry matters, while the overall picture of involved persons is the responsibility of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and police.

Regarding claims that suspects have been caught and the news went silent, Worasit denied this, explaining that they are working with fragmented and abundant facts. He requested patience for the investigation team to complete their work, cautioning that rushing and incorrect judgments would worsen the situation. He assured confidence in the process, emphasizing all agencies are committed to this matter.

When pressed if the investigation would trace back to the root causes, the Deputy Interior Minister said he could not answer yet and asked the team to finalize their findings first. Revealing too many details prematurely could affect officials' work. Regarding leaked audio clips involving those connected to exam corruption, Worasit noted this emerged later and believes police and NACC are actively investigating.

Regarding public questions about the scale and long-standing nature of the corruption. Asked why the investigation was set for 7 working days if the corruption was extensive, Worasit said this is not a simple theft case but complex, involving many rules and regulations. He considers the 7-day timeframe reasonable. The public is awaiting facts, and unsubstantiated leaks could be more harmful.

Asked if the committee’s evidence is sufficient to identify the roots of the corruption network, Worasit explained. The 7 working days is the Interior Ministry’s operational timeframe. Whether they find the main figure ('To') must wait a bit longer. He admitted knowing some involved, noting the network extends far beyond. He is confident that if high-ranking Interior Ministry officials are involved, they will be uncovered. He urged officials to work without interference and confirmed that NACC and related agencies have made significant investigative progress.

Asked about assuring public trust since government-led investigations often involve collusion, Worasit affirmed this is not an internal-only probe. Independent agencies are involved, and the Prime Minister, as Interior Minister, is genuinely committed. Five agencies have been established to oversee the investigation. Therefore, it is clear that the goal is thorough examination. If facts show involvement, the Prime Minister has ordered action, as it affects national confidence. When asked if the main figure has been found, Worasit confirmed that if found, they will be thoroughly pursued.