Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) revamps the civil service exam, cancels contract with Srinakharinwirot University, reviews overall transparency, and proceeds with corruption investigations by appointing a committee to examine 17 fitness equipment procurement projects with results due within 30 days.
On 18 July 2026, Associate Professor Tawida Kamolwetcha, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, stated that BMA has enhanced transparency in organizing the civil service recruitment exam to avoid issues like previous local civil service exams. The BMA assigned the Bangkok Civil Service Commission Office and the Personnel Office, responsible for overseeing exam questions, methods, scoring, and security, to thoroughly review and improve the entire examination process. They are also studying BMA’s TOR and regulations carefully to ensure the exam is as transparent and rigorous as possible.
Contract with Srinakharinwirot University canceled.
The next exam, originally scheduled for 17–18 July 2026, has been postponed by BMA. Applicants were informed on 13 July that the exam would be delayed to mid-September 2026 to allow for a review of the exam system and to carry out procurement procedures properly.
Previously, Srinakharinwirot University was selected to conduct the exam, but BMA decided to review the exam process anew. After discussions with the university’s president, BMA canceled the contract for exam administration, which the university understood and accepted without objection.
Refund options for application fees opened.
Regarding exam preparations, clarity on outsourcing arrangements is expected by 15 August. By late August, BMA will announce the list of eligible candidates and exam venues. About 7,000 candidates have registered, but those unable or unwilling to take the exam on the new dates can request a refund of their application fees. BMA will provide details on this process later.
Investigation into fitness equipment procurement.
Deputy Governor Tawida added that investigations into fitness equipment procurement continue, with 17 remaining projects to examine. On 15 July, the Bangkok Permanent Secretary signed an order appointing a committee to investigate these 17 projects, with a 30-day deadline to complete the review. Preliminary results are expected by 15 August.
Meeting on 23 July to review median prices.
BMA is also expediting further investigation into seven previously reviewed projects. Findings from the 17 new projects will be analyzed alongside these earlier cases to ensure a thorough and comprehensive review and to identify any overlooked issues from the initial audits.
The review of median prices for the seven projects is ongoing. On 23 July, a committee meeting will be held to monitor progress on revising the median pricing process. BMA affirms it will accelerate every step to reach clear conclusions and build public trust and confidence.