Anutin emphasized the investigation into corruption in local official recruitment exams, stating there is no interference. He urged each agency to compete in their work and announced full support without fearing any influential figures or authorities involved in the matter. [Tags: corruption investigation, local government, government transparency]
At 16:30 on 6 Jul 2026 GMT+7 at the Government House, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, spoke about setting up fact-finding and legal committees regarding corruption in local official recruitment exams. Committees have been formed at various levels. Under the Prime Minister's Office, Mr. Pakorn Nilprapunt, Deputy Prime Minister, was appointed chairman. The Ministry of Interior's Permanent Secretary, Mr. Arsith Sampanrat, reported that on the same afternoon (6 Jul), a serious disciplinary investigation committee was established for those possibly involved. The Central Investigation Bureau also reported their actions. The Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) noted that offenses need to be categorized, with each government agency conducting investigations and legal proceedings in parallel within their scope. Ultimately, all information will converge in the fact-finding committee to strengthen data and ensure no interference or collusion has occurred. When asked if repeat offenders appeared in reports from different agencies, Mr. Anutin said the matter is highly confidential, so he must maintain secrecy but confirmed the committees are working decisively, quickly, and transparently. When pressed about the number of offenders in the Ministry of Interior, he reiterated the confidentiality of the matter. [Tags: government investigation, disciplinary action, corruption, Ministry of Interior]
Each agency is to work competitively. [Tags: agency competition, investigation strategy]
Mr. Anutin explained that the committee led by Mr. Pakorn cannot prosecute directly as they are not officials with prosecutorial power but act as representatives of the Prime Minister’s Office. Given the seriousness and public interest, oversight at the top level is necessary, with the committee composed of heads of various government agencies. When asked if those under serious disciplinary investigation would be suspended from their posts as in other cases, he said procedures must be followed. Some individuals have already been reassigned to assist in government work away from their original positions, following legal principles based on existing evidence. Where facts are clear, decisive action will be taken; where further investigation or witness questioning is needed, it will proceed accordingly. All processes are running in parallel with natural competition among agencies to achieve results. When asked about the next steps following the committee’s findings, he stated that if wrongdoing is proven, legal action will follow. There have been illegal payments and bribes affecting exam scores, which must be the basis for action. The law must be respected; otherwise, arbitrary actions would cause further problems. Thus, adherence to law is essential. [Tags: disciplinary process, legal compliance, corruption consequences]
Full support will be provided without fear of any authority or influential person. [Tags: government support, impartiality]
When asked about the timeline for serious disciplinary investigations, the Prime Minister said this is under the authority of the Ministry of Interior’s Permanent Secretary as head of the government agencies to set frameworks and policies. Asked if disciplinary proceedings would align with the committee led by Mr. Pakorn, Mr. Anutin said that if the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) can act faster than others, other agencies will naturally compete to keep pace. The investigation timeline is already expedited; the main committee aims to complete investigations within 30 days, and smaller committees will take even less time. Given public interest and the need to respond to society, there is no cause for concern. He has invited heads of investigative and prosecutorial agencies to assure that the government fully supports their work in all forms without fearing any influential individuals or authorities. [Tags: investigation timeline, government policy, support for investigations]