Former Mayor Arrested in Recruitment Exam Fraud Case
Former Khuan Kalong sub-district mayor arrested in Satun on fraud charges after allegedly conning 13 people out of civil service exam fees. Police seized over 1.2 million baht in cash during his capture in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Satun provincial police arrested Nattaphapongsak, 61, former chief of Khuan Kalong sub-district municipality, on July 23, 2026, following a court warrant for local government recruitment exam fraud. He was apprehended at a hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima while fleeing with his wife, and authorities seized 1,230,500 baht in cash and important documents.
Deputy Provincial Police Commander Sompong Suwannawong and other officers brought the suspect to Khuan Kalong Police Station, where he was handed over to station commander Ampai Chumchuay for legal proceedings. Investigators found 13 victims who filed complaints alleging they were defrauded by Nattaphapongsak regarding local government civil service examination fees.
Nattaphapongsak's lawyer, Prayut Laewhui, arrived at the police station to meet with his client and announced that the case has been transferred to the National Anti-Corruption Commission. He indicated plans to file for bail and noted his client is somewhat anxious about the case.
Meanwhile, residents of Satun are closely following the case and urging authorities to expand the investigation to identify and prosecute the mastermind and network behind the examination fraud scheme.
