Anti-Corruption Office Ramps Up Local Exam Fraud Investigation

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is pressing ahead with its investigation into a major local government examination cheating scandal, with Deputy Secretary-General Kiattisak Putphand confirming on August 14 that evidence is extensive and divided into multiple groups requiring work across several locations. The investigation committee held a meeting two weeks prior and distributed tasks accordingly, though the sensitive nature of evidence—since many individuals involved are both witnesses and potential suspects—demands meticulous handling. The three to six month timeline remains in place, though no firm deadline has been set for examining all 800,000 answer sheets, which the NACC holds in original form and considers manageable through scientific inspection if multiple departments oversee the process for transparency.

When asked whether high-ranking officials would be called for questioning, Kiattisak said the NACC is currently focusing on gathering major evidence groups, particularly at lower levels where problems exist, as senior figures already have clear roles. The investigation centers on one key question: whether cheating occurred and who was involved. On whether the inquiry will reach former Local Administration Department Permanent Secretary Thiruit Suphawibulyon, Kiattisak stated it depends on where the evidence leads, though separate issues such as whether the TOR drafting process showed favoritism must also be examined. He confirmed that if evidence points to any former police commissioner during the TOR era, that person will be investigated. Kiattisak dismissed concerns that the time required for evidence gathering could allow destruction of materials, saying the NACC's work is not delayed and evidence appears internally consistent, making significant alterations unlikely. He urged patience and called for calm, noting the NACC has deployed numerous task forces and treats the case as a priority for swift results. Regarding expansion to politicians and ministers, Kiattisak said the NACC has no predetermined targets but will follow evidence wherever it leads, though he could not yet confirm any links to government ministers.