Deputy Minister clarifies the issue of 5,925 names is not a burden shift to local authorities, emphasizing central responsibility while local bodies act within their authority.
On 17 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Deputy Minister Worasit Liangprasert explained concerns about sending the list of 5,925 candidates with irregularities in civil service and local official exams to local administrative organizations for follow-up. He stated this is not burden-shifting but a proper exercise of each agency's duties, with the central government responsible for defining data, criteria, and clear procedures.
Worasit explained the need to distinguish between "detecting irregularities" and "taking personnel status actions," as these steps fall under different authorities. It is not about giving local authorities the power to decide who is guilty or should be dismissed.
“To be clear, this is not passing the hot potato to local authorities. The central government examines data, sets guidelines, and provides processed information. Local authorities then act within their duties upon receiving clear information and instructions. Roles must be distinct; otherwise, it would wrongly appear that local authorities are burdened with everything, despite differing powers across government levels.” . Worasit stated.
The Deputy Minister noted that the 5,925 names with exam score irregularities stem from data verification during the recruitment process. Once anomalies are found, relevant committees review the case, decide on procedures, and forward information to the responsible agencies.
“If the central government identifies score issues but does nothing, people will question why the Ministry of Interior allows ineligible candidates to remain. Therefore, when irregularities are found, they must be corrected—but following proper procedures, not emotional reactions, nor placing blame on any single party.”
Worasit added that actions concerning involved individuals proceed along multiple paths: correcting candidate lists, addressing those already appointed, and referring matters to authorities with criminal investigation powers—distinct processes.
“Having a name on the 5,925 list does not mean automatic accusations of fraud or criminal conduct. The list includes those with irregular exam scores who must be verified by authorized agencies. Whether anyone is criminally liable or involved in corruption is for investigative bodies and the justice system to determine.”
He emphasized that for those appointed based on problematic scores, if investigations confirm lack of eligibility, their status must be corrected legally. Errors or corruption in the examination process cannot become permanent rights in the civil service system.
“My principle is simple: anyone who gained rights improperly must be corrected; those who earned their positions fairly and are not involved in corruption deserve justice. Officials carrying out orders must have clear criteria. We will not allow honest candidates to suffer from others’ corruption.”
Worasit further stated that local authorities are not responsible for verifying or judging exam score irregularities. Once central agencies provide data and guidelines, employing agencies must act legally on personnel matters. Therefore, calling this process a “passing the hot potato” is misleading and wrongly suggests the Ministry of Interior is offloading responsibility to localities without support.
“If asked who is responsible, I say all levels bear responsibility for their roles. The central government manages data and guidelines; relevant committees handle decisions and processes; employing agencies act within their authority. This is a system, not passing tasks to one party.” . Worasit stated.
He also noted the Ministry is attentive not only to the 5,925 cases but also to honest candidates affected by the revised list. A channel is open for candidates not listed as passing to request score reviews from 13 to 31 August 2026, allowing affected individuals to verify their information through official channels.
“The Ministry of Interior does not protect wrongdoers nor harm honest people. We will not let those who gained rights improperly remain in the system, nor leave local officials burdened without clear guidelines. The process must be complete, ending with correctness and fairness.” Worasit concluded.