Local Government Exam Fraud Probe Targets 97 Officials With Inflated Scores
A probe into local government exam fraud has identified 97 hired officials with artificially inflated test scores, with police investigating how the scores were manipulated and warning that anyone involved faces dismissal and imprisonment.
On August 5, the Central Committee for Local Government Employee Competitive Examinations (KSTB) held a three-hour meeting at the Department of Local Administration. Deputy Interior Minister Arttasit Sampantharatna afterward revealed that the committee approved a resolution to rescind fraudulent appointments and issue a new list of legitimately qualified candidates—approximately 12,000 who passed honestly. Those with incorrectly calculated or artificially inflated scores will not be listed, and new guidelines will address how to properly list remaining qualified candidates before presenting the matter to the cabinet on August 6.
Of the problematic cases, 561 candidates who had not yet been hired will not be hired. However, 97 candidates who passed the exam, were hired, and received improperly inflated scores will be handled through a separate process submitted to the cabinet. Police will investigate how and why these scores were raised. Arttasit warned that anyone found connected to fraudulent conduct faces serious penalties, including dismissal and imprisonment, stating: "Whoever is not honest cannot stay. In the end, they will not succeed and will live unhappily."
When asked who inflated the scores, Arttasit said investigators must determine who raised them, who they contacted, and who else was involved—possibly family members, not just the test-takers themselves. He emphasized that all involved parties will face consequences with no one able to escape liability.
Regarding whether Theeruthorn Suphavibulphol, the former local government promotion department director, will appear August 6 to face fraud allegations at the Central Investigation Command, and whether five officials' disciplinary cases can be concluded immediately, Arttasit said the decision rests with the serious disciplinary investigation committee chairman Theeraphattana Katchmaat, director of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. If the committee finds sufficient evidence and no further investigation is needed, it can conclude findings and take action before submitting the matter.
