Rome revealed that the Law Committee has voted by majority to invoke the Summoning Powers Act to call the Prime Minister and former directors of DOPA and Srinakharinwirot University to explain the local exam fraud issue. They warned that if they do not appear by 8 October, legal action will be taken. Rome also urged Anutin to instruct Thongjuea to come clarify to the committee.
On 24 September 2026 at 09:30 at the Parliament, the House Committee on Law, Justice, and Human Rights, chaired by Rangsit Rome, list MP of the People’s Party, held a meeting to consider actions regarding local government recruitment exam fraud from 2024 to 2026. Before the meeting, Rangsit said that names of the 'patron's children' are emerging, but one key person he most wants to question is Thongjuea Chatkitcharoen.
When asked if the term 'patron's children' raised concerns about their absence from the National Anti-Corruption Commission's ongoing investigation, Rangsit said they worry about interference that might prevent senior politicians or officials from being prosecuted. He acknowledged concerns that political figures might evade scrutiny. Regarding Thongjuea, he has been summoned multiple times but failed to appear or respond, and the committee could not reach him by phone. Previously, wherever Anutin appeared, Thongjuea was also present. Although trying to keep a low profile now, it cannot be denied that Thongjuea is connected to this matter.
Later at 14:20, Rangsit gave an interview after the meeting regarding the case. The Law Committee voted by majority to use the Summoning Powers Act to call Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the Minister of Interior, the former director of the Department of Local Administration, and Chonwit Jearjit, the president of Srinakharinwirot University, to clarify the local exam fraud issue on 8 October.
When asked what will happen if the Prime Minister does not appear after being summoned, Rangsit said legal measures will be taken according to the act. If the Prime Minister fails to come without reasonable cause, consideration will be given to possible actions, including penalties that can be applied. These could be political and legal consequences, while disciplinary measures would apply to officials. Ultimately, the committee awaits 8 October to see if he appears. He emphasized that anyone who fails to appear will face legal procedures, which may lead to further developments.
Rangsit added that another major issue of public interest is the involvement of over 70 people linked through financial trails, including high-ranking and ordinary individuals. Those implicated appear to be above director level and likely within the Ministry of Interior, though he did not specify names, wanting to give them a chance. He mentioned a civil servant closely associated with Anutin, always accompanying him. If allegations are true, actions will follow.
He also received information about the 'patron's children', including people with notable surnames and important figures. This information is confirmed by state agencies. Thus, the committee must further verify the facts and connections, which extend to politicians, including some MPs, committee chairpersons, and possibly individuals more senior than MPs. Investigations will continue.
When asked if those above MPs are ministers, and if those above director level are permanent secretaries, Rangsit replied he cannot confirm yet since the case involves many people, possibly higher than MPs or ministers. He said more fact-checking is needed before disclosing details.
A reporter asked about Thongjuea, noting Anutin said he had sent a letter to the National Police Chief regarding Thongjuea's connection to the exam fraud and received a reply, but could not disclose the content. Asked if this implied anything, Rangsit responded, “I think Thongjuea should answer for himself. Ideally, the Prime Minister should tell Thongjuea to come clarify to the committee. That would be more beneficial.”