Deputy Permanent Secretary Inspects Local Exam Centers for Fairness

Nirat Pongsitthawat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry acting for the director of the Department of Local Administration, visited Thammasat University's Rangsit Center exam facility alongside Deputy Director Boonprasong Nualsai and project director Udomveth Tovasatja to inspect preparations and encourage staff. Nirat stated that exam centers nationwide had been prepared securely and fairly, with exam papers and answer sheets transported safely on July 25 with proper custody and oversight at every stage. Exam rooms, chairs, equipment, and safety standards were ready, with invigilators briefed on strict protocols—only authorized personnel allowed in exam halls. CCTV monitoring would oversee time management and prevent cheating. Regarding transparency concerns, Nirat said that if no external interference occurs, the Department of Local Administration and Thammasat University would conduct a straightforward, fair examination offering equal opportunity to all candidates. He warned test-takers not to become victims of scams or lose money to unscrupulous individuals, urging them to trust their own abilities. He also cautioned that those caught committing fraud during the exam, if already civil servants or local officials, would be immediately dismissed from service, and warned previous fraudsters to promptly return any money taken, as crimes may not yet be evident. Nirat acknowledged the exam would not be 100 percent fraud-free but emphasized prevention efforts and legal warnings, noting that police, the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and other agencies were also monitoring. Udomveth added that Thammasat University would employ a transparent exam verification system, with test papers from provincial exam centers transported to the university for checking.