Tight control was enforced at local exam venues involving 37,000 candidates. Examinees voiced fears of political interference, noting this system has existed for a long time with vested interests harming local governance.
Today (26 Jul 2026), our team covered the atmosphere at the local government management exams held across five venues in five regions: Chiang Mai, Udon Thani-Khon Kaen, Pathum Thani, Chonburi, and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces. A total of 37,359 candidates took part, with Thammasat University’s Rangsit campus acting as the exam organizer for this management-level local government exam.
At 08:00, Nirath Pongsitthathaworn, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and acting Director-General of the Department of Local Administration, traveled to oversee the management-level local government exam at Thammasat University’s Rangsit Center.
Our team spoke with one candidate, Thanakrit Rattanapongkavee, Chief Executive Officer of the Prai Nok Yoong Subdistrict Administrative Organization in Han Kha District, Chainat Province. He commented that exam corruption has been longstanding, causing the civil service system to fail at recruiting truly capable workers. Suitable candidates should have leadership qualities and strategic knowledge.
Regarding exam corruption, he believes it should never occur because Thai society views it in two ways: if interference occurs, the system becomes spoiled and driven by personal gain. Those who never help themselves or study end up entering the civil service without using their own ability or intellect, undermining proper regulatory procedures.
He personally has worked in the Department of Local Administration before transferring to local government organizations. He was involved from the start and previously worked in the division responsible for local exams conducted by local authorities, which have had ongoing problems.
When exams shifted to central administration, issues arose around compiling candidate lists, which were then distributed to local administrative organizations by the central division. Over time, problems changed according to circumstances. He believes that attempts to grant favors or manipulate the exam system affect efforts to improve the integrity and ethical standards of local government organizations.
