Deputy PM Orders Crackdown on Local Government Exam Fraud

Deputy Prime Minister Pokkhrong Nila-praphan chaired the first meeting of a fact-finding and legal review committee investigating fraud in civil service recruitment exams for local government positions in 2568, held at Government House on July 8, 2025. Attendees included the Justice Minister, the Prime Minister's Office Secretary-General, the National Police Commissioner, Cabinet Secretary, Civil Service Commission Secretary-General, and other relevant officials.

Pokkhrong emphasized that this matter is critically important, as local governance is a fundamental pillar of Thailand's democratic system with the Monarchy at its head. He stated that the issue extends beyond law and regulations—it undermines public confidence in local governance processes and violates constitutional principles of decentralized power and ethical administration standards outlined in Article 251 of the Constitution.

"This is not a minor matter," Pokkhrong said. "It's like a malignant cancer destroying the local government system. If left unchecked, it could cause irreparable damage to our decentralization efforts, which are a cornerstone of the Constitution."

He instructed the committee to identify systemic weaknesses and close loopholes to prevent future misconduct. Pokkhrong called on the National Anti-Corruption Commission to pursue criminal cases in parallel with disciplinary proceedings and the Civil Service Commission to rigorously enforce ethical standards—noting that violations are severe enough to disqualify individuals from government positions.

Pokkhrong stressed that ethical standards enforcement must be comprehensive and uncompromising. Anyone entering the system through fraudulent means to make a living has no place in politics. He tasked the Decentralization Committee and the Prime Minister's Office to remain vigilant and directed the Civil Service Commission to address ethical breaches with full severity, as such violations can disqualify even cabinet ministers.

The committee will establish a work timeline and framework today, though deadlines can be extended given public interest. Additional joint committees may be established to handle the matter.