An extensive inquiry is currently underway to unravel alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, with investigators discovering a significant financial trail exceeding 1 billion baht. This money flow has been linked to fraudulent activities surrounding a 2021 local government recruitment exam, according to NACC secretary-general Surapong Intharathaworn. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is now consolidating investigations into this case and a more recent exam scandal, citing evidence that suggests a connected network of individuals operated across both instances.
Consolidated Investigation into Exam Fraud Network
The NACC board has ordered the retrieval of case files previously handled by other agencies, recognizing the interconnected nature of the alleged offenses. Mr. Surapong explained that financial transaction analyses of individuals arrested in the current scandal revealed substantial cash movements that tie directly back to the 2021 local government recruitment exam fraud. This discovery prompted the decision to merge investigations, as the evidence points towards a coordinated network rather than isolated incidents.
The investigation into the 2021 Pattaya case, in particular, reportedly focused on a subcommittee responsible for municipal staff recruitment, provincial administrative officials, and specific Pattaya City employees. These individuals were allegedly unlawfully appointed to executive positions. Investigators found that original exam scores were manipulated within the computer registry system to ensure predetermined candidates secured high-ranking roles. Crucially, the same group of suspects and similar network structures appear to have been involved in both the 2021 and the more recent 2026 examination irregularities.
Details on Suspects and Political Involvement
When questioned about whether specific politicians or high-ranking officials were implicated, Mr. Surapong stated that such details could not be disclosed at this stage, as they form a critical part of the ongoing case file. The Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) is set to collaborate with the NACC, providing assistance in tracing the complex financial transactions. Despite the scale of the investigation, Mr. Surapong indicated that considerable progress has been made.
Assurance Against Political Interference
Addressing potential concerns about external influence, Mr. Surapong firmly dismissed any suggestions of political interference in the anti-graft agency’s work. He asserted that the NACC has never faced pressure from political parties or individual politicians. “If the evidence points to anyone, that person must be held accountable. There will be no exceptions,” he stated, emphasizing that the determination of criminal or civil liability will be strictly evidence-based.
Accelerating the Investigation Timeline
Mr. Surapong also sought to allay fears that transferring the examination fraud case to the NACC might lead to significant delays. He assured the public that the commission has meticulously screened and reviewed all incoming cases and possesses the capability to manage its investigation timelines effectively. Although the exam fraud case file is substantial, reportedly containing over 800,000 pages of documents, Mr. Surapong expressed confidence that clear conclusions could be reached within a six-month timeframe, commencing from June of this year.
To expedite the process and ensure clarity in findings, investigators plan to leverage advanced technology more extensively for evidence examination. They will also consider separating different types of offenses where appropriate, aiming to streamline the inquiry and produce more focused outcomes. This multi-pronged approach is designed to tackle the complexity of the case efficiently.
Parallel Efforts in Local Government Examinations
In parallel efforts, Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit issued directives on Wednesday for local authorities to finalize their investigations into suspected fraud within local government examinations by the end of the current month. The Department of Local Administration has reportedly developed comprehensive guidance, forms, and supporting documentation to aid local leaders in reviewing the cases of 5,925 individuals flagged for potential involvement in exam irregularities.
Mr. Worasit indicated that the accumulated evidence has clarified the nature of these cases, empowering local leaders to take decisive action, including the dismissal of civil servants found to have engaged in cheating. This coordinated push aims to ensure accountability and uphold the integrity of public service recruitment processes across various levels of government.
