The Anti-Corruption Commission's committee is proceeding with the investigation into local exam fraud, setting a deadline to summon the local administrative body for clarification this week and urging action against over 6,000 involved individuals.
On 14 July 2026, Asaphon Santraiphop, Member of Parliament for Sisaket from the Bhumjaithai Party and chair of the Anti-Corruption Commission's committee in the House of Representatives, said on the Parliament TV program "Looking at Parliament" regarding the nationwide local civil service exam fraud that the committee's goal is to combat corruption and prevent its recurrence. Currently, the committee is fact-finding to ensure those involved in cheating local exams face disciplinary or criminal penalties. No one is above the law. The committee has monitored all parties and agencies due to public skepticism, addressing many questions and seeking answers. They have invited related agencies to provide additional information to clarify doubts for the public. Furthermore, they are considering preventive measures since exams will inevitably continue in the next 2–3 years, aiming to prevent future exam fraud.
The committee chair stated that in the 9 July meeting, all relevant agencies attended except the chairman of the local administrative committee (KSO), who was absent despite the committee’s intent to question the Department of Local Administration further. The agency representatives said they had to provide statements to police, preventing the committee from questioning the department directly. The committee plans to summon them again this week. Last week, useful information was obtained from Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), which cooperated well, as did the director of the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand. Before the meeting, he encouraged all members, from both government and opposition sides, to freely ask questions to satisfy public demand for transparency and facts from the committee.
The meeting lasted three hours with SWU, the contractor, represented by its president, who stated that full authority had been delegated to the Educational and Psychological Testing Office (EPTO) to conduct and bid for the local exams and sign contracts. EPTO’s director has decisive authority. It emerged that EPTO subcontracted a private company for printing and exam evaluation using machinery. The committee asked whether this 30 million baht subcontract was properly authorized by the client and included in the terms of reference (TOR). EPTO's director said they had informed the local administrative body (client), but the committee had yet to receive formal written confirmation, so they requested additional documents.
An important issue arose regarding SWU's fact-finding committee. At the meeting, the SWU president delegated the vice president, who chairs the fact-finding committee, to respond. The vice president confirmed interference from the client. When asked who the client was, he smiled and laughed, prompting the chair to clarify if it was the local administrative body. The vice president affirmed it was. The committee then inquired about the nature of the interference and whom the client contacted at SWU. The EPTO director explained that these details had already been given to the Anti-Corruption Commission. Also present was Kongkrit Chatmaleerat, chairman of the Decentralization and Local Administration Committee in the House, who stated that facts given to the Anti-Corruption Committee by SWU and the local administrative body did not match, necessitating further questioning this week to ensure transparency in the investigation process.
Regarding the flash drives, EPTO's director said the TOR stipulated producing only one set, but the contractor made two sets for increased security. One set was sent to the client (local administrative body), but the chairman of the client handed the drives to the local administrative body as recipient. The committee awaits the TOR and contract documents from the client, expected this week. The two sets are kept separately: one at SWU and one at the client. There are 10 exam centers nationwide, each with one flash drive per set, so 10 flash drives held by the client and 10 by SWU. The flash drives at SWU are currently under the Anti-Corruption Commission’s custody along with answer sheets as unaltered evidence. The flash drives used to announce passing results remain the client's responsibility. After SWU delivered all 10 flash drives from the exam centers to the client, the client conducted checks, as explained by EPTO’s director during the committee meeting.
“The flash drives can be verified to see who accessed or modified files and when, due to digital signatures that record the last edit date and time. Therefore, we know who did what and when. This also reveals at which stage the fraud occurred. The flash drives and original answer sheets are held by the Anti-Corruption Commission. If we want to verify facts, it is all with the commission. The issue is not complicated today, but society questions whether beyond director-level officials and the accused department head, there are higher-ups involved and how the widespread network of intermediaries nationwide operate. Nearly 6,000 cases of cheating or fraud have been found, yet nearly all remain in civil service. Why are they not suspended, put on leave, or dismissed? This question puzzles many, including me. Why is action not taken unless the prime minister orders it, when it is the agency’s own duty? The root of many Thai social problems stems from state agencies failing to enforce laws, requiring constant pressure to act. We should not have to chase these matters. If they performed their duties properly, those nearly 6,000 corrupt individuals would be dismissed. The Supreme Administrative Court has ruled on this matter already. If feared lawsuits arise, the court's decisions provide guidance. We do not seek to protect directors or higher officials. Anyone committing corruption or wrongdoing must be punished; no one is above the law,” said Asaphon.
The committee chair added that although the House of Representatives has adjourned its session, the Anti-Corruption Committee will continue its work uninterrupted to ensure all complaints are considered and followed up as mandated. The committee meets twice weekly to track facts, review complaints, and coordinate with related agencies for action. It also conducts field visits and discussions with various agencies to listen to public concerns.