Anutin responded to Teng's claims, stating that local exam fraud is unrelated to the blue faction or politics. He is actively tracing financial routes and will investigate thoroughly without shielding anyone. He remarked he has severed ties with many involved and mocked the gang trying to alter score files as if drowning.
At 11:35 a.m. on 3 July 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior gave an interview after presiding over the launch of the Half-Interest Loan Project to reduce production costs at the Agricultural Cooperative for BAAC customer marketing, Phra Khao Subdistrict, Bang Ban District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, regarding Mr. Natthapong Rueangpanyawut, party-list MP and leader of the Prachachon Party (PCN), who commented on the issue of local exam fraud, allegedly stemming from conflicts within the blue faction and advising a review of measures to avoid harming honest people. Anutin said, "What does this have to do with the blue faction? This is a government examination system issue. Don't jump to conclusions. Currently, seven agencies are investigating and prosecuting the offenders, including tracing financial routes of those involved and prosecuting abuse of power. This is illegal conduct, completely unrelated to politics."
Anutin continued, "This concerns a system I abolished three years ago. Now, examinations use new TORs, making cheating harder. Still, some brazenly tried to alter computer files, probably panicking and acting desperately like someone drowning." "Any computer file access must have timestamps; it cannot be concealed. These seven agencies I established have signed an MOU to suppress such misconduct, anticipating it would occur, hence creating these units to work on it."
When asked how he plans to restore the Ministry of Interior’s image, which has suffered public distrust, the Prime Minister replied that the examination process must adhere to rules. Wrongdoers prioritize gains over correctness, assuming past corrupt practices still work. Recently, the exam was entrusted to Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), which handled it well. Previously, exams were checked provincially; now, they are centrally monitored and securely stored, though TORs require annual destruction of exam sheets.
The Prime Minister added, "They probably hoped to cover things up, as exams began in December 2025 and six months have passed. If dragged out another six months, original exam sheets might be destroyed, making proof impossible. However, once the issue arose, all agencies secured evidence. The original exam sheets are now confiscated and digitized." "Attempts to alter main computer files are even clearer evidence since the original scores differ from the computer records. This behavior clearly shows dishonest conduct."
When asked if he is confident his administration can completely root out this corruption, Anutin said he is confident because they are not involved and will strictly punish offenders, especially within the bureaucratic infrastructure. "Selling positions has been happening since officials joined government service. In simple terms, it means promoting wrongdoing from day one, and that wrongdoing persists. Should we tolerate it for 30 years? I don’t understand why this is linked to blue faction conflicts—it isn’t. This is a bureaucratic matter, no politics involved. Whoever is guilty is punished, no protection given. I’m known for not shielding anyone. I’ve cut ties with many, and that’s not a problem."
Asked if he felt frustrated by the scandal as Minister of Interior, Anutin laughed and said he was more than frustrated; he abolished this system three years ago. The current problematic exam is for local officials, not Ministry of Interior civil servants, who must pass through the Civil Service Commission (CSC) with official standards. The local exams are governed by decentralization laws and committees, not by him.
"When I learned of the issue, I ordered a halt to appointments. The Central Committee on Local Employee Competitive Examinations (CCLECE) said not to delay but proceed with appointments. That relieved me because I acted within my authority. Anyone acting beyond my power must take responsibility. I’m not saying anyone is overstepping my authority; everyone has their own. But I have already protected my jurisdiction. From now on, if someone is guilty, I will join in punishing them."
When asked if this defiance amounted to resisting ministerial authority, the Prime Minister said these committee members are not his subordinates. His subordinates on the committee follow his instructions fully.
