Deputy Interior Minister Urges Removal of 5,000 Rigged Local Exams

On August 20 at the Thai Parliament House, the House Committee on Decentralization, Local Administration, and Special Forms of Administration held a meeting chaired by Mr. Kongkrit Chatmalirat, MP for Ranong from the Bhumjaithai Party. The agenda focused on addressing the rights of government officials and local employees who were legitimately placed in the 2025 local government competitive examinations, with authorities aiming to offer promotion opportunities to reserve candidates waiting on the list.

Deputy Interior Minister Vorasit Liengprasert stated during the session that the ministry is currently transmitting data regarding candidates with abnormal test scores to provincial committees nationwide. These committees will coordinate with local administrative organizations to systematically revoke individuals who cheated and were improperly appointed, thereby freeing up positions for eligible candidates.

When questioned about retroactive penalties affecting salaries and employment rights, Vorasit clarified that all improperly acquired benefits will be rescinded since those individuals never deserved them in the first place. Meanwhile, newly appointed candidates moving up the list will receive their rightful entitlements starting from their official placement date. The total number of affected entries stands at approximately 5,000 individuals and continues to update daily.

Addressing concerns that the removal process might face delays or hesitation from local bodies, the Deputy Minister reassured the public that administrative actions are moving swiftly. While acknowledging local anxieties, he emphasized that definitive facts warrant immediate correction. Several regional bodies have already acted after receiving centralized data, such as Lamphun Provincial Administrative Organization's public announcement and Krabi's successful revocation of 112 fraudulent entries, keeping the strict deadline of August 31, 2026, on track.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Regarding opposition demands to escalate the matter to Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), Vorasit explained that the administration is simultaneously pursuing administrative and criminal routes. Evidence gathered by the ministry has already been submitted to the NACC and police to strengthen the criminal case, ensuring swift accountability.

In response to opposition MP Rangsiman Rome's allegations concerning the termination of Burapha University's exam-organizing contract and alleged high-level interference at a safe house, Vorasit countered that any possessing concrete proof should forward it directly to the NACC. He maintained that political interference was non-existent in this investigation, pointing out that close acquaintances of influential figures have already faced legal actions.

"Both universities, if they have information, should submit it directly to the NACC without sending it to me, as they might distrust me given my political background."

Vorasit Liengprasert

Source: Matichon Politics