The Prime Minister announced the investigation into local civil service exam fraud, emphasizing adherence to facts and swift action with “no fixed matches or deceit.” He said several have been suspended and declared that implicated politicians will not escape, facing penalties multiple times harsher. He reiterated having ordered a halt to all exam results, but the Central Committee pressed forward. Meanwhile, the arresting police team nearly brought suspects to the Prime Minister’s vehicle.
At 13:10 on 15 Jul 2026 at the Central Investigation Bureau Headquarters, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul inspected the anti-corruption unit and reviewed progress on the 2025 local civil service exam fraud case. National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittirat Phanpetch and Central Investigation Bureau Chief Pol Lt Gen Nathsak Chaowanasai welcomed him and joined the meeting.
The Prime Minister said, as head of government and Minister of Interior, he thanked the Royal Thai Police and relevant enforcement agencies for their cooperation in addressing this brazen and disgraceful illegal act. Since the issue arose, he has been uneasy because it falls under government oversight. Without cooperation, public doubt and distrust about this case would persist. Thanks to their efforts, the network of many involved in this corrupt cycle is now clear, revealing connections to other corrupt acts. He assured the public to trust the crime prevention and enforcement system, emphasizing no facilitation or interference in legal proceedings, especially in such a brazen case involving civil service exam corruption.
He continued, urging confidence that the case will not be distorted; all actions must follow facts and evidence under investigation. Everything will be reviewed for comparison, ensuring public trust. There will be no leniency or flexibility; all procedures will strictly comply with the law. He has no obligation or fear of any law or rules affecting this matter. He believes the swift actions taken since the issue emerged, including suspending several officials, demonstrate seriousness, though it’s too early to declare guilt until investigations and evidence are confirmed.
Asked about revoking the appointments of over 5,000 local civil servants, the Prime Minister said he had just received a report from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior during the Central Local Official Examination Committee meeting that morning. The Department of Local Administration is aware of the irregularities. On 23 Jul, the Central Committee on Local Civil Service Staff, chaired by him, will review the entire matter. He would have ordered cancellation earlier if possible, but the committee must decide. He instructed to delay calling candidates for reporting. If the committee confirms illegal acts and exam result distortions, they will report to the Central Committee. He questioned who is responsible since appointments continued despite orders to suspend. This will be handled by investigators and the Central Committee, which must consider next steps. He advocates cancellation, but if the committee members, mostly local representatives wanting to retain appointees, vote to proceed, that will be their decision. Nonetheless, he and the Ministry of Interior stand by their position.
Regarding objections about his authority to revoke appointments, the Prime Minister responded, “That question shows misunderstanding of the law. I do not have that power; otherwise, it would have been resolved already. It’s not just a question; I have instructed to delay appointments. Decisions require the Central Committee’s resolution. I don’t know who drafted the law, but we must review why it created a multi-layered committee structure. The Minister of Interior chairs only the central committee with one vote. Within the ministry, there are about three votes: the Permanent Secretary and Director-General of the Department of Local Administration, with other members from other agencies who lack authority. If I had authority, we wouldn’t bother the Police Chief.”
On candidates who passed and seek fairness, claiming the exam was proper, the Prime Minister said about 5,900 cases of fraud have been found. He must consult legal experts further. If fraud occurred from the start, including leaked exam questions or result manipulations, and if cancellation or revocation is possible, the government will act according to all legal provisions.
Asked whether those found cheating would be blacklisted from future exams, the Prime Minister said this must be defined in the terms of reference. At minimum, candidates whose answer sheet scores do not match announced results will be investigated and summoned for questioning. If proven guilty, legal action will follow.
Regarding whether the over 5,000 revoked appointments will be replaced by next-ranked candidates or require new exams, the Prime Minister said this depends on whether the Department of Local Administration cancels the exam and its results, a decision for the Central Committee. He has no authority to act alone without the committee’s resolution. The committee will meet on 23 Jul. Since becoming Minister of Interior in 2023, he delegated duties to the Deputy Minister supervising the Department of Local Administration, but due to this incident, he believes it is necessary to chair personally as it does not restrict his rights.
When asked if the committee should be dissolved to prevent recurring issues, the Prime Minister said the relevant law is the 1999 Decentralization Plan Act. Given the scale of corruption, the Ministry of Interior has reason to consider amending and tightening the law.
The Prime Minister added that there will be multiple press briefings as the case develops. Such a brazen crime involves more than just the arrested or accused persons. He trusts the investigators’ abilities and assures no accomplices will be let off. The system involves many people who will implicate others naturally. Media concerns about hidden involvement and so-called 'heroes' will be clarified as investigations proceed. The current progress results from expanding the investigation.
Pol Gen Poomvisarn Kasemsuk, Secretary-General of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), said the commission will develop clear prevention measures to avoid recurrence, as the Prime Minister described the issue as serious. The PACC will propose clear findings and identify loopholes to the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister concluded that when asked whether officials or politicians will escape punishment, the law stipulates that civil servants, officials, and politicians will face penalties two to three times greater. He has conveyed this principle to all involved in the case.
At 14:10, after reviewing the investigation progress on the 2025 local civil service exam fraud, reporters asked if the Prime Minister had met suspects. He said he had just passed them moments ago but did not know they were suspects. Police asked him to stand aside to let suspects pass to be remanded according to procedure.
At one point, when police were escorting suspects out of the Central Investigation Bureau, confusion arose as officers nearly placed suspects in the Prime Minister’s vehicle. The security team then clarified, “This is the Prime Minister’s car,” and redirected them to the correct van.