Anutin acknowledged the arrest of three suspects in the local exam fraud case and said he is waiting for police investigations. He stressed that even if they are Bhumjaithai party leaders, they will all be held accountable. He ordered stricter screening of ministerial teams after many scandals were found, sharply stating that past favors should be left behind and appointments cannot be made arbitrarily.
On 14 July 2026, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, spoke about the Central Investigation Bureau's arrest of Sergeant Pichit, Dr. Win, and Dr. Win’s sister, three suspects in the local civil service exam corruption case. He said he has received reports from the police, who are conducting initial investigations and proceeding legally. He added there is no need for a press conference since all three suspects have been arrested.
Regarding whether ministerial teams should be screened after it was found one suspect was once a ministerial aide, Anutin said he has instructed that any appointments to key positions, deputies, or advisors must undergo thorough screening. Senior cabinet members will review all appointments, and so far, no problems have been found. Decisions are based on information available at the time.
The Prime Minister also addressed allegations that individuals involved in the local civil service exam fraud have links to the Bhumjaithai party. He confirmed that anyone connected will face consequences.
When asked if top leaders would also be subject to action, the Prime Minister affirmed that certainly. If they are party members, there will be no exceptions. No matter who is involved, they will be dealt with according to the law and prosecuted.
On whether there will be screening for ministerial advisors or teams, the Prime Minister said that behavioral screening is ongoing. Many party members have already faced consequences, so greater caution is necessary.
"This is not a place to repay personal favors. Everyone becomes a minister on merit. So past favors should be left behind; don’t treat appointments as debts to be repaid. Consider that I am the one appointing them, so don’t treat it as a personal favor. Ministers cannot appoint people out of obligation or gratitude. To have a working team of 20–30 people is absurd," he said sharply.
When asked if he was worried that the backlash might reach the Prime Minister, Anutin replied that he is concerned. He wondered why ministers need so many aides and advisors after becoming ministers. If that’s the case, then it’s unnecessary to be a minister at all.