Fraud Charges Filed Against Local Government Exam Officials
Thirteen suspects have been summoned to face fraud charges related to rigged local government personnel exams, including a former Department of Local Administration chief who requested a one-week delay in his July 31 court appearance.
Police spokesman Pol. Lt. Gen. Patanasak Bubphasuwanna revealed progress in a corruption case involving fraudulent local government personnel exams on July 29. Summons have been issued to 13 suspects to appear on July 31, including former Department of Local Administration chief Theerutham Supaviboolpol and Rueangdej Sirikij of Srinakharinwirot University's testing office. While Rueangdej confirmed he would appear as scheduled, Theerutham requested a one-week postponement citing absence from the province and a long holiday period. Both will face seven charges. The remaining 11 suspects, discovered altering exam data at a company in Nonthaburi, are expected to be summoned soon, though meeting dates have not been confirmed. If any suspects fail to appear by July 31, a second summons will be issued, and if they still do not comply, arrest warrants will be sought. Additionally, on July 31, investigators will visit the detention facility to file additional charges against three suspects—Win Thanpochraphokhin, Sataporn Thanpochraphokhin, and Pichit Thungprom—for allegedly abetting officials in misconduct under Thai Criminal Code Article 86 in conjunction with Article 157.