"Anutin" urgently appoints "Nirat" as acting head of the Local Administration Department to spearhead the crackdown on local exam fraud before flying to China, affirming that the Central Committee for Local Employee Examinations (CCLEE) has the legal authority to act without waiting for the Prime Minister.
On 16 July 2026, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul led senior officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Aekniti Nitithanprapas and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Puangketkaew on an official visit to the People's Republic of China from 16 to 20 July.
Before departure, Mr. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, reported to the Prime Minister's delegation after being urgently appointed acting director of the Department of Local Administration (DLA) to investigate the scandal involving corruption in local civil service recruitment exams.
Prime Minister Anutin commented that he signed the order appointing Mr. Nirat this morning to oversee and report on the situation. On 17 July, the Central Committee for Local Employee Examinations (CCLEE) will hold a meeting. If any irregularities are found, the committee responsible for managing the examinations will be informed to take immediate action within their authority.
When asked if the committee could revoke the appointments of problematic officials immediately without waiting for the Prime Minister's return from China, Anutin stressed that he is not involved in the removal process. However, as head of government, upon discovering wrongdoing, he must notify relevant parties to act legally. If violations are confirmed, legal action must follow. The latest local government law grants decisive authority to the committees involved. Accountability is essential—those who err must face consequences, and those who perform well should be recognized. This principle sets the standard.
Reporters sought further details, but the Prime Minister glanced at his watch and jokingly said, “Attention passengers, this is the final announcement,” before leaving the interview to prepare for boarding the plane immediately.