Five officials probed over exam cheating

An investigation has been launched into five officials from Thailand's Department of Local Administration (DLA) suspected of involvement in fraud during recent local government recruitment examinations. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the disciplinary investigation on Thursday, following up on a probe ordered a week prior.

Mr. Anutin confirmed that the investigation committee, led by Deputy Permanent Secretary Santitorn Yimlamai, had found evidence of attempts to falsify and cheat in the recruitment process. He assured the public that details would be revealed without compromising the ongoing investigation or the evidence collected.

The committee summoned 15 individuals for questioning and is collecting records from relevant sectors, with input from technological experts. Initial findings revealed that contractors did not promptly transfer checked answer sheet files to the DLA. A review of 48 sample sheets from 10 examination sites showed score discrepancies, with more than half indicating altered results to significantly higher scores.

The investigation also highlighted failures in the DLA's procedures, including not conducting reverse checks for candidates who passed the third section of the exam. Evidence suggests a network of DLA officers, contractors, and private companies collaborated in the falsification. At least five DLA officers are expected to face disciplinary charges. Meanwhile, the House Committee on Decentralisation convened a meeting to discuss the exam fraud, though Srinakharinwirot University, which administered the exams, was absent.

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I will reveal details as much as possible without exploiting the case or interfering with evidence collected from the investigation.