Local Officials Must Complete Exam Fraud Probe by August 31
Thailand's Deputy Interior Minister set an August 31 deadline for completing an investigation into local government exam fraud, with dismissal orders to follow once actual scores are reviewed. Officials have been provided guidelines and doc
Deputy Interior Minister Vorasit Liangprasert reaffirmed on August 19 that the local government exam fraud investigation will be definitively closed by August 31, with dismissal orders to be signed once actual scores surface. Speaking at Government House, he noted that while many district mayors initially had concerns due to insufficient data, the Department of Local Administration has prepared a comprehensive package outlining procedures, guidelines, and required documentation to eliminate doubt. After additional clarification, most officials now understand and have begun implementation.
Vorasit explained that when evidence is clear and can be proven by forensic analysis principles, there is no reason to delay action. Regarding three local government associations' demand for the department to submit evidence of removals on August 18, he said the provincial committees had not yet met uniformly, possibly preventing data from reaching local authorities. He emphasized that given the tight timeframe, the process must be simple, fast, and responsive to local questions without waiting for slow official correspondence.
When asked if staggered submission of evidence from each province would affect consideration, Vorasit said no, which is why the August 31 deadline was set to ensure all local government bodies complete their tasks on schedule. Regarding the opposition's plan to file a no-confidence motion against the government citing local exam fraud, he stated this is the opposition's right and responsibility. He expressed no concern, saying the government has acted transparently and made significant progress. Beyond his responsibility, the National Anti-Corruption Commission and police will continue their investigations. When asked if the opposition would make local exam fraud a major debate issue, Vorasit said that was acceptable, as the problem did exist previously and the government has taken action—it is the opposition's right to question and the government's duty to explain.
