Deputy Interior Minister Refuses to Recuse From Probe

At 3:45 p.m. on July 10, 2025, in Songkhla province, Deputy Interior Minister Vorasit Leangprasit addressed calls from opposition MP Phakmun Hunanunan of the Pheu Thai party to recuse himself from the committee investigating alleged fraud in local government civil service exams. The investigation centers on whether several committee members, including Samrit Rianprasit, the Satun provincial administrative organization chairman and Vorasit's uncle, were involved in misconduct.

Vorasit stated that most names summoned for questioning by the National Anti-Corruption Commission are members of the central civil service exam committee, but being summoned does not mean guilt or involvement in corrupt practices. He emphasized that his role is policy-level direction only, while actual investigators conduct the probe, so there is no risk of bias. "The investigation has been thorough; otherwise, these results wouldn't have come out this way," he said.

Vorasit criticized the opposition's close scrutiny, sarcastically thanking them for their attention and suggesting they focus on fact-checking fake news on the Pheu Thai page instead. He reiterated that investigations are the responsibility of others and he has neither the authority nor intention to interfere.

When pressed on whether he would help family members implicated in future investigations, Vorasit countered: "No one can protect anyone. If I protect someone, I'm finished; if anyone comes to protect, they're finished." He argued the results speak for themselves, demonstrating straightforward handling.

Vorasit then redirected the question back to opposition MPs: "When ruling party members were arrested over the online gambling case early this year, why didn't you resign? Why didn't the party leader resign? Why is this different?" He stressed the need to separate personal matters from politics, warning that mixing the two serves no one's interests.