Interior Ministry Deputy Quits Disciplinary Panel Amid Exam Fraud Probe
A deputy permanent secretary of Thailand's Interior Ministry withdrew from a disciplinary panel after becoming a person of interest in an anti-corruption probe into civil service exam irregularities.
Athaya Nuan-uthai, deputy permanent secretary of the Interior Ministry, has withdrawn from a serious disciplinary investigation committee after his name emerged as a person of interest in an Anti-Corruption Commission probe. The Interior Ministry appointed him to the committee on July 8, the same day media reported he might face investigation over allegations of misconduct related to civil service and local government examinations. Upon learning of the appointment, Athaya immediately requested to step down from the disciplinary panel, citing potential conflicts of interest and other serious circumstances that could compromise the investigation's neutrality and fairness. He expressed his intent to cooperate fully with investigating authorities through proper legal channels. The ministry emphasized that the committee was appointed before news of the investigation emerged, to maintain standards of propriety and correctness. The remaining committee members will continue their investigation to establish facts and uphold legal principles, and will report their findings to the permanent secretary for submission to the Prime Minister and Interior Minister.
