Atthasit vows to purge corruption in local exams, preparing to sign severe disciplinary actions against five officials, declaring "everyone faces their own consequences."
On 3 July 2026, Mr. Atthasit Sampantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, revealed progress in addressing corruption in local civil service exams. After clear evidence of favoritism emerged, he is preparing to sign the establishment of a disciplinary committee to investigate five officials from the Department of Local Administration (DLA). The appointment of the committee chair and members is currently underway. The Ministry of Interior will take full action and extend investigations to all involved parties, including those who commissioned the fraud, private sector individuals, or anyone identified by the system as facilitating corruption, in line with the Prime Minister's firm directives. Should additional individuals be implicated, they will also face individual disciplinary inquiries. The Ministry affirmed it will pursue the matter thoroughly, holding every offender accountable—"everyone faces their own consequences."
Regarding those who passed the exam, were appointed, and reported for duty previously, Mr. Atthasit explained that this followed decisions by other agencies that allowed reporting, contrary to the Ministry of Interior's original resolution to suspend it. Nevertheless, he confirmed that all such individuals will be recalled for disciplinary measures.
The Permanent Secretary concluded by emphasizing that investigations have identified some appointed officials as clearly involved in corruption. Therefore, even if they have been appointed or transferred, the corruption offense does not end or disappear. They will face the highest legal penalties.