Local Exam Cheating Case Far From Over, Assets Seized Worth 320 Million Baht
Authorities have seized 320.86 million baht in assets linked to an ongoing 2568 local government exam cheating scandal, with about 5,000 individuals facing dismissal despite misconceptions the case was closed.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister held a press conference at the Anti-Money Laundering Office on September 11 to brief media on progress in the 2568 local government recruitment examination fraud case, with relevant agencies participating. The Prime Minister said that he and officials from the Anti-Money Laundering Committee, the National Anti-Corruption Commission, the Office of the Civil Service Commission and police are announcing updates on this important national case involving local government civil service recruitment, an act that seriously damages public confidence in Thailand's bureaucracy.
The Prime Minister clarified that although many mistakenly believed the case was closed, it remains active and investigators are expanding the inquiry in all directions. The Interior Ministry has so far revoked the positions of those found guilty, and names have been sent to local government organizations for dismissal of approximately 5,000 individuals involved in the cheating. The case began with a memorandum of understanding between seven agencies initiated when the Prime Minister served as Interior Minister. Today's progress results from close inter-agency cooperation working within legal frameworks and verifiable evidence, allowing authorities to seize assets linked to the wrongdoing valued at 320.86 million baht.
The Anti-Money Laundering Office is currently investigating financial and asset links and coordinating evidence with relevant agencies to expand the case further. The Prime Minister emphasized that the government has no policy protecting or benefiting wrongdoers regardless of their position, and will proceed with cases transparently, fairly, and thoroughly with no exceptions. The government will continue rigorous prosecution to completely resolve the matter and restore public confidence in the civil service, recover justice, and guarantee that qualified candidates succeed through honest merit alone.
The Prime Minister thanked all officials for their full cooperation and commitment in this operation, which protects the integrity of Thailand's civil service system rather than merely punishing offenders. Progress reports will be issued periodically, and numerous suspects have been arrested with ongoing apprehensions. "We have preliminarily seized assets valued at more than 320.86 million baht. The public should not worry that any influence will alter the case or help the guilty. We work together under the memorandum and our duties to ensure the case remains factual and uncompromised."
