Lawyer Files Local Exam Fraud Case With Parliament Committee
A lawyer has asked Parliament's political development committee to investigate local government exam fraud involving over 1,000 test-takers, citing concerns that the Interior Ministry may not pursue perpetrators despite arrests by anti-corr
On July 2, 2569, at Parliament, Phakamol Nunananth, a List MP for the Pheu Thai Party and chair of the House Committee on Political Development, Media, and Public Participation, received a letter from lawyer Phatthrapong Suphaksa requesting an investigation into local government civil service entrance exam fraud.
Phatthrapong stated that although the National Anti-Corruption Commission arrested those involved in the exam fraud, the Ministry of Interior—the responsible agency—has provided no guarantee that the case will proceed against the perpetrators. Instead, the ministry has sued those who released audio clips. He requested the committee summon individuals and witnesses for clarification, hoping this occurs soon, as the fraud has harmed both the civil service system and the public. Over a thousand legitimately qualified exam-takers have formed a chat group and plan to file complaints with both the committee and the Prime Minister's Office.
Phakamol noted that complaints about local civil service exam fraud have been coming into the committee, with documents submitted by affected test-takers, observers, and those who have followed the case since the past. Therefore, the lawyer's submission is not the first, revealing that the damage extends far beyond the present—it likely spans multiple years and may involve a coordinated scheme.
The committee will review all complaints and may call relevant agencies for information. Currently, evidence is scattered between the Ministry of Interior and the Anti-Corruption Commission, making a neutral investigation difficult. The committee should serve as a mediator to impartially gather facts and present them to society.
Phakamol emphasized the widespread evidence and damage; with fraud involving 4.5 billion baht, authorities must identify those responsible. She suggested the exam process itself requires review, as current methods may be inadequate. Civil service recruitment, being as consequential as elections, should include external observers. This aligns with Pheu Thai's position.
When asked about the timeline, Phakamol said the committee expects to set the agenda this week and consider the matter the following week.
