Nirat sent an urgent letter to provincial governors across the country, instructing local administrations to prohibit hiring individuals involved in corrupt behavior related to local exam fraud cases.
On 12 Aug 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported that Mr. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Acting Director-General of the Department of Local Administration (DLA), signed an urgent letter No. MoI 0808.2/W 4690 dated 11 Aug, addressed to provincial governors nationwide concerning the clarification of service contract hiring by local administrative organizations, referencing the Ministry of Interior's urgent order No. MoI 0808.2/W 9636 dated 10 Aug.
It stated that, pursuant to the Ministry of Interior's established criteria for service contract hiring by local administrative organizations, these organizations must strictly adhere to the detailed provisions outlined in the referenced letter.
Currently, social media reports have emerged about recruiting individuals who were removed from the list of successful candidates in competitive exams for appointment as local civil servants or employees, to be hired under service contracts by local administrative organizations. The Department of Local Administration has reviewed this and noted that, according to the Local Executive Code of Ethics, local executives must perform their duties honestly with integrity, uphold the rule of law, act fairly without discrimination or bias, and not support any form of corruption or misconduct. They must avoid actions that damage the dignity of their office, act lawfully and correctly, not exploit legal loopholes for personal or others’ gain, set a good example, and maintain the government's image. They must not associate with or support individuals with unethical behavior or reputations that could undermine public trust. Since service contracts supplement regular duties, local administrations must select contractors based on appropriate knowledge and experience relevant to the work.
Therefore, to ensure that service contract hiring by local administrative organizations benefits the government and that local executives comply with the code of ethics, provincial governors are requested to instruct local executives to hire legal entities or individuals without corrupt or unethical behavior. They must also be cautious to prevent service contracts from being used to circumvent regulations or to provide benefits to specific entities or individuals. This is in line with the Local Executive Code of Ethics. This notice is for acknowledgment and to be disseminated and enforced by local administrative organizations accordingly.
