Deputy Interior Minister revealed that the Central Committee upheld the Local Official Exam Committee's decision to revoke the passes of 5,925 candidates suspected of exam fraud. A new official list will be announced tomorrow, with a deadline to complete removals by 31 August. Regarding 97 candidates whose scores were adjusted, investigations are ongoing based on verifiable facts. He did not respond to questions from "Theerut" or the Director of the Testing Bureau about concluding the matter.
At 17:40 on 6 Aug 2026 at the Department of Local Administration Promotion, Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit held a press conference after chairing the Central Committee meeting for local officials (Central Committee). The meeting considered the Local Official Exam Committee's proposal to cancel the previous list of successful local official exam candidates and announce a new list for 2025. He said the main agenda was to acknowledge the Local Official Exam Committee's finding of 5,925 candidates with irregular scores. The Central Committee agreed to act accordingly, with the new list to be announced on 7 Aug. Information and guidelines regarding these irregular results will be sent to provinces on 10 Aug, where appointments were made.
They also agreed that once the provincial committees have finalized their decisions, the provinces must hold meetings and then send directives to local administrative organizations (LAOs) to complete removals by 31 Aug.
When asked about the 97 candidates who passed but had their scores adjusted upward, Worasit explained that the Central Committee and Local Official Exam Committee aimed to correct the score announcements. These candidates will remain on the new list with the condition that fact-finding investigations proceed, coordinated with the police and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Should evidence of corruption arise, further action will be taken.
Asked whether there is a timeline for resolving the cases of the 97 candidates, as justice is awaited by others, the Deputy Minister said the process must be as fast as possible, but exact timing cannot be fixed since procedures vary by location. When asked if the 97 candidates should continue working or be suspended, he said they remain in their positions under investigation. However, removals for those who failed and had their scores altered will be completed by 31 Aug, as that timeframe is sufficient for consideration and action.
Regarding whether those affected by the revocations have the right to seek temporary protection from administrative courts, Worasit acknowledged they do have the right. However, he stressed that both the Local Official Exam Committee and Central Committee acted based on verifiable facts. The Central Committee’s secretary will provide evidence and procedural guidelines to provincial committees and LAOs handling removals. They understand some LAOs are concerned, so clear guidance will be given to assist them.
When asked about preparations for potential lawsuits, Worasit confirmed that the Department of Local Administration Promotion will establish a team to monitor the situation.
Asked who would be responsible for reinstating positions if those removed win legal cases, Worasit said it is premature to consider that now. The priority is addressing the current findings, which confirm that these candidates had irregular scores.
Worasit affirmed that all actions are based on verifiable facts supported by forensic science. He reiterated that the new list announcement is only the first step; determining who committed fraud is a matter for police and the NACC, who are actively investigating.
A procedural manual will be sent to local officials to guide their duties, ensuring they have a clear framework and are not isolated in their tasks. The lengthy meeting was due to differing legal opinions, requiring time to reach consensus.
When asked if the recent charges filed by the Crime Suppression Division against Theerut Supaviboonpol, former Director-General of the Department of Local Administration Promotion, and Ruangdet Sirikit, Director of the Educational and Psychological Testing Bureau at Srinakharinwirot University, for involvement in local official exam fraud meant the case was fully resolved, Worasit said he did not know as he is neither the Director-General nor the Director. Police and the Anti-Corruption Commission for Government Officials are continuing their investigations to the end. He affirmed that no one is protected, and if facts show involvement, regardless of rank, action will be taken.