Police find no evidence linking ministers to exam fraud scheme

Thai investigators say they have found no evidence linking any minister in the current government to an alleged network that collected money from people seeking local government jobs.

The claim emerged during questioning of Prawit “Heng” Jaruratkul, a former Pheu Thai candidate and former president of the Samrong Tambon Administrative Organisation. Police arrested the 62-year-old in Bangkok on Aug. 27 over allegations that he solicited money in exchange for helping candidates pass civil service examinations in Si Sa Ket. He was granted bail on Aug. 26, according to the report.

An Anti-Corruption Division source said investigators conducted a fact-finding inquiry after hearing that a serving minister was behind the alleged network. The source said investigators found no information or evidence to substantiate the allegation or establish a link to any minister. The claim, the source added, was vague and based on information heard from another person, giving it little evidentiary weight.

Police also rejected suggestions that Jaruratkul's arrest was politically motivated. They said investigators had acted according to legal procedures and the available evidence. Jaruratkul has sought to provide investigators with additional evidence related to the case, according to a source close to him.

Both Jaruratkul and Pol Cpl Pichit Thangphrom, known as “Sergeant Pichit,” are being held at Bangkok Remand Prison as suspects in the examination fraud case. Jaruratkul maintains that he did not solicit money from job applicants, but said he became involved while trying to recover money allegedly taken by members of his team. A complainant alleged that 650,000 baht had been paid to secure a local government position, but the job was never obtained and the money was not refunded.