Exam Fraud Scheme Exposed in Local Government Recruitment
Authorities received evidence of fraud in Thailand's 2567-2569 local government recruitment exams, including over 3,000 unencrypted answer sheets leaked from a flash drive, with officials seeking to trace financial networks and seize assets
On June 30, 2025, at Parliament, Rangsiman Rom, representing the ruling Pheu Thai party as chair of the House Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights, received a petition from the Civil Society Association for State Power Audit regarding fraud in local government recruitment from 2024-2026.
PichaiPhitthak, representing the association, outlined how the case has been tracked since 2024, when recruitment began and objections were later filed with the Special Cases Investigation Division requesting the project be halted due to payment demands. In 2025, concerns emerged over the Terms of Reference (TOR) being non-transparent, leading to protests from competing universities including Surin Rajabhat University.
The association raised four main concerns: First, the TOR design had vulnerabilities enabling fraud, with the TOR committee overlapping with exam writers from Srinakharinwirot University (MSV). Police found over 3,000 leaked answer sheets stored unencrypted on a flash drive discovered in Bangbuathong. Second, violations of procurement law caused state damage, with the Interior Minister and Department of Local Administration director signing contracts allowing a 48-hour to 15-day correction window—a potential data manipulation loophole. The TOR required storing files in JPG and PDF format on unencrypted flash drives; files with LTSC extension (used only by government agencies) later appeared at a Bangbuathong company and were printed, suggesting data theft by insiders.
Third, the association requested the committee trace suspect finances and coordinate with the anti-money laundering office to seize assets before money laundering occurs. Fourth, it asked for follow-up on investigation of subdistrict chief training exam fraud from April 5, 2024.
Rangsiman emphasized that if the allegations are true—unencrypted storage and file breaches—it raises questions about standards in high-stakes exams affecting thousands and the civil service system. He questioned who bears responsibility, including senior officials with oversight authority.
