Democrat Party Demands Witness Protection in Local Exam Fraud Case

On August 24, 2025, at the office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Democratic Party spokesman Phongsakorn Kwanmuang, along with party legal committee member Paisal Rueangritthee and policy committee secretary Pornchai Maranet, submitted a letter requesting the commission to adopt protective measures and designate persons victimized or implicated in the local government examination fraud as witnesses. The goal is to enable those with critical information to provide full cooperation and trace the investigation to those responsible. Deputy Secretary-General Kiattisak Putphun received the letter.

Paisal stated afterward that this matter should not be allowed to fade from public attention. While society has focused on national-level political issues, the local government civil service examination fraud has been overlooked despite being a major problem that damages the administrative system and national structure. He reported receiving numerous complaints and information through Facebook, with informants possessing witnesses, evidence, financial trails, and knowledge of those directing the scheme, but they fear legal action.

Paisal noted that the anti-corruption commission has legal tools under the Anti-Corruption Act of 2017, including sections 131 and 135, to protect and secure witnesses. He called for clarity on whether the commission will use these mechanisms to reach the principal perpetrators. "If the commission uses sections 131 and 135 to protect witnesses, they will tell everything," he said. "It won't be just small-time operatives but will reveal who ordered it, who received money, and the entire financial chain. But they don't dare speak out now for fear of prosecution."

Paisal estimated the damage affects approximately 5,900 to 6,000 people. With an average extraction of 600,000 baht per person, losses could exceed 3 billion baht, not counting previous rounds. The impact extends beyond financial loss to damage the local government system including subdistrict and municipal administrations. Honest citizens have been denied opportunities while some new graduates who fell victim have been dismissed, with some driven to suicide by the stress.

The Democratic Party therefore refuses to accept this situation. "The Democratic Party will not tolerate this because the damage is not merely thousands of millions of baht but damage to the nation's system," Paisal said. "If persons who entered government positions through corruption are appointed and given budget authority, it could undermine long-term government administration and budget spending."

Paisal called on all affected persons—those who paid money, were deceived, were dismissed from service, or have information about the fraud process—not to fear coming forward. He offered to serve as intermediary, coordinating information with the anti-corruption commission to ensure justice, and pledged to continue pursuing the matter even if public attention fades.