Political families tied to exam fraud

Influential political families in Thailand are reportedly involved in local-government exam fraud, with evidence now in the hands of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

The Interior Ministry confirmed that the Local Personnel Administration Committee (LCAC) has approved a revised list of successful candidates. This list, along with implementation guidelines, will be sent to provincial committees this week. Local administrative organizations are tasked with removing officials appointed through fraudulent means by August 31.

The ministry identified 5,925 candidates whose examination scores were flagged as abnormal. These names have been forwarded to the police and the NACC. The investigation aims to target not only the candidates but also the mediators and agents who allegedly facilitated the fraudulent results, with some agents reportedly managing networks of 50 to 100 candidates.

Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit acknowledged the involvement of some influential local political families but did not disclose names, stating that financial transaction details have been provided to the NACC. He assured that no one would be exempt from prosecution if linked to the scheme, whether they are civil servants or politicians.

Meanwhile, former MP Thepthai Senpong urged Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to address the scandal comprehensively. Senpong questioned whether legal action would be taken against removed candidates, if the entire examination should be retaken due to alleged flaws, and whether politicians and senior officials are implicated. He stressed the need for criminal, civil, disciplinary, and ethical penalties against all offenders, rather than limiting action to a few officials or protecting powerful figures.

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Whoever did wrong must face the consequences, without exception.