The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior confirmed that anyone involved in local exam fraud will be prosecuted, reaffirming the revocation figure of 5,000 individuals. Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation stressed compliance with the 120-day legal framework.
On 14 Jul 2026 at 07:35 GMT+7 at the Government House, Atthasit Sampantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, spoke about progress in investigating local government official exam fraud. He stated that on 15 Jul, the Central Committee for Local Government Staff Examinations (CCLGSE) will meet to review results and forward them to the Central Local Staff Committee (CLSC) for the final decision. If the CLSC deems the findings improper, it must pass a resolution to revoke appointments. When asked if revocations might lead to lawsuits from those innocent, Atthasit replied that there is concrete evidence and that while challenges arise in fulfilling their duties, he is confident their actions are correct. Regarding police control over state officials involved in the fraud, he said the Ministry has conducted preliminary inquiries within seven days and established a serious disciplinary committee. The police are investigating financial trails, gathering testimonies, and conducting inquiries. Those arrested appear on the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s (NACC) list. Everyone who committed wrongdoing will face legal action. Asked about disclosing more names of involved officials, Atthasit said the serious disciplinary investigation considers not only those initially named but also all related evidence; anyone involved must be dealt with. Whether links to others exist depends on the investigative committee, which has set clear parameters.
When asked about connections to politics in the southern region, Atthasit said the Ministry of Interior focuses on its responsibilities. Matters involving outsiders fall under the NACC, which will take action. The police will continue issuing arrest warrants as evidence emerges. Asked about the number of officials with irregular exam scores slated for revocation, Atthasit confirmed it is over 5,000 people.
The Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation emphasizes adherence to a 120-day legal framework.
Teerapat Kachamat, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and chair of the serious disciplinary investigation committee into local official exam fraud, discussed progress, describing it as a bureaucratic process. Asked about the Prime Minister’s directives, Teerapat said the work follows legal regulations requiring completion within 120 days. When questioned on current progress, he said they have just started and need to review the fact-finding committee’s results. Regarding whether more names of involved persons will emerge, he stated that it is a separate process governed by different legal procedures and is unrelated.