Lawmaker Questions Lack of Accountability in Local Official Recruitment
A Thai lawmaker has raised serious concerns over accountability in local official recruitment, revealing that thousands of candidate records show signs of data tampering and that no formal complaints have been filed despite alleged miscondu
On July 15, Rangsiman Rom, a Pheu Thai list MP and chair of the House Committee on Law, Justice, and Human Rights, briefed lawmakers on the committee's investigation into local government recruitment for 2567-2569. Several agencies provided testimony, including the TOR (Terms of Reference) drafting committee and the Interior Ministry's deputy secretary general. However, some agencies failed to cooperate fully. The National Anti-Corruption Commission initially confirmed attendance but later submitted only a written statement without explanation, as did the Public Administration Department, citing other urgent commitments.
Rangsiman highlighted three key findings. First, the TOR lacks adequate anti-fraud safeguards—there is no mechanism to verify if Excel files or score data have been altered after upload. Of approximately 15,000 preliminary vetted names, about 6,000 show signs of modification, with some cases already under NACC review. Second, announced candidate lists do not match score records in system files, suggesting either the announcements are incorrect or the data has been tampered with. Responsibility rests with the Central Local Official Recruitment Committee and the Interior Ministry permanent secretary. Third, while five officials were reportedly placed under severe disciplinary investigation, no formal complaints or accusations have been filed against any individuals by the ministry.
Rangsiman questioned whether these safeguard failures were deliberate or accidental and called for further investigation into the circumstances and those responsible.
