Deputy Minister of Interior Worasit Liangprasert refuted "Phakmon," affirming there is no selective cutting in the local exam corruption issue. All offenders will be dealt with regardless of paying hundreds of thousands, being a nominee's child, or any surname. He compared this with PChon MPs linked to Forex scams and nominees as individuals. He revealed the Central Committee is set to discuss remedies for honest candidates on 17 September.
At 17:00 on 9 September 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Worasit Liangprasert, Deputy Minister of Interior (MoI 4). He gave an interview at the parliament regarding the case where Ms. Phakmon Noon Anan, a party-list MP of the People’s Party (PChon). raised the issue of corruption in local civil service examinations. She alleged the scandal would be cut short and not reach those in power. He said one must ask where that concern comes from. He emphasized from day one that no matter who is involved, thorough action will be taken.
Worasit further stated that according to the news, information emerged from Nakhon Si Thammarat province where two examinees connected to senior officials were found to have altered scores. Many aspects must be verified. First, it was clearly stated that everyone involved would be prosecuted. Those publicly named have been proven through straightforward work, regardless of their identity, surname, or connections. These factors are irrelevant. Therefore, action will be taken against anyone involved.
When asked about Ms. Phakmon’s claim of about 10 main names who were appointed without taking the exam and thus not revoked, Worasit replied he has not seen that data. However, as everyone knows, this incident involves score manipulation, so facts must be examined. Nearly 6,000 names have been inspected and published. Those prosecuted have been removed. Next steps involve calling up those on the appointment list to restore fairness to honest candidates who were bypassed by score manipulators.
Regarding the claim that quota candidates related to influential figures did not pay hundreds of thousands but were appointed, Worasit said whether they paid or not, all must be handled. One proven fact now is that those individuals altered scores. Therefore, whether they paid tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, millions, or nothing at all is not the point, as all must be dealt with.
On remedies for those unfairly bypassed, Worasit explained there are two groups. The first group passed on their own merit and have been appointed. They contacted the Parliamentary Commission on Decentralization, Local Administration, and Special Administrative Management, stating they lost some rights. Without score manipulation, they would likely be placed in preferred locations near family. They will be given the opportunity to select new positions or transfers first.
The second group awaits the fourth call-up list. The government is currently exploring how to best remedy both groups of innocent candidates to achieve satisfactory results without harming either side. This will be discussed at the Central Committee meeting on 17 September.
"I reaffirm that whoever is involved in corruption, no exceptions will be made. All information we have has been sent to agencies such as the National Anti-Corruption Commission and police for further action," he said.
Asked about lingering doubts that politicians will escape punishment, Worasit said this must be based on facts, not feelings. He is confident the National Anti-Corruption Commission will handle the case fairly. The Ministry of Interior’s investigative team and the committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt are conducting transparent and factual investigations.
"If anyone were being protected, people with the same surname as high-ranking officials or senior civil servants involved in score manipulation would not have surfaced. We are thoroughly investigating who is involved and how. Not all cases are linked to everyone. For example, if someone I know acts improperly, does that mean I must do the same? This is a question we must consider. Some political parties have been called in for explanations, such as nominee cases or individuals involved in Forex fraud. These are personal matters, and each individual must be held accountable. It does not mean the entire party is implicated. Therefore, it is a personal responsibility; whoever commits wrongdoing must face consequences."