Inquiry Opens Into Alleged Exam Fraud In 2023 District Officer Test
A parliamentary committee is investigating alleged fraud in a 2023 district officer exam after a candidate who failed seven times claims their answer sheet was switched before retirement eligibility expires.
On August 20, 2025, at Parliament, Phakamon Nunonant, a list-system MP from the Pheu Thai Party and chair of the Committee on Political Development, Media, and Public Participation, discussed an allegation of irregularities in the 2023 district officer examination by the Department of Local Administration. The complainant, who sat for the exam seven times, expressed frustration and suspects their answer sheet was switched, causing them to fail. This is their final attempt before retirement. Phakamon explained that the committee invited a former department director from 2019 to provide historical context, comparing past fraud cases to identify patterns. When asked about evidence, Phakamon said the complainant has prepared documentation, including answer sheets they are confident they completed correctly. The complainant had previously filed complaints with the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission without result, prompting this final effort to protect their reputation. Phakamon noted this is the first formal complaint being reviewed, though the complainant has spoken with others facing similar circumstances. Regarding the seven exams, Phakamon acknowledged uncertainty about all instances but noted the complainant prepared thoroughly each time. However, many answers on the retrieved sheets appeared altered. This suggests answer sheets were modified to lower scores, despite the complainant's familiarity with the exam material.