Police find no evidence linking ministers to civil service exam fraud scheme

Police investigating alleged fraud in local government examinations have found no evidence connecting any minister in Thailand’s current government to the scheme. Investigators said the claim rested on hearsay and carried little evidentiary weight.

The case centers on Prawit “Heng” Jaruratkul, a former Pheu Thai candidate and former president of the Tambon Administrative Organisation in Si Sa Ket. Police arrested him on Aug. 27 on allegations that he collected money from applicants seeking local government civil service jobs. He was granted bail on Aug. 26, according to the account.

An Anti-Corruption Division investigation team said it conducted a fact-finding inquiry after hearing claims that a serving minister stood behind the alleged network. The team said it found no information or evidence substantiating the allegation or linking any minister to the scheme. Investigators described the claim as vague and based on information heard from another person.

Police also rejected suggestions that Jaruratkul’s arrest had a hidden political motive. They said investigators had acted according to legal procedures and the available evidence. Jaruratkul reportedly told investigators that he had not solicited money from job applicants, but had become involved while trying to recover money allegedly taken by members of his team.

The investigation also concerns two Department of Special Investigation officials, Pol Lt Col Win Tahanaphat and Pol Lt Col Phitchai Thongphrom, known as “Sergeant Phitchit.” They are suspected of involvement in the alleged examination fraud case and are being held at Bangkok Remand Prison. Jaruratkul reportedly brought a witness believed to be close to the two officials to provide information to investigators. A complainant who alleged paying 650,000 baht for a local government position led to Jaruratkul’s arrest, although the job was never secured and the money was not refunded.