Officials Uncover Exam Score Rigging Scheme Affecting Nearly 6,000
Authorities uncovered a scheme where 11 officials altered exam scores for nearly 6,000 failed candidates in a local government recruitment test, with investigations suggesting collaboration between university staff and examination committee
On July 23, Asapon Sannathrirat, a Phumi Jai Thai party member representing Sisaket and chair of parliament's anti-corruption committee, reported that investigations have revealed 11 officials were involved in altering exam scores for 5,960 people who failed the local government employee recruitment test. The anti-corruption commission's figure does not match the 5,924 candidates announced publicly by the local government examination committee. The scheme allegedly involved collaboration between Srinakharinwirot University staff, who were tasked with verifying scores, and officials at the examination committee. Investigators are pursuing the case within a compressed 10-month timeline instead of the standard two years. Asapon stated that the 5,960 candidates who received altered scores are considered complicit in the wrongdoing, but those who come forward to the anti-corruption commission with useful information may request witness immunity. Officials revealed that senior exam committee administrators ordered one of three suspects and a university staff member to change failing scores to passing ones via messaging apps, and the committee requested protective measures for all three suspects due to fears of retaliation. The investigation has uncovered high-level ministry director involvement and is examining whether senior permanent secretaries or politicians were connected to the scheme. The anti-corruption commission explained the extended timeline involves three months for evidence collection, one month for data processing, and six months for defendants to respond to charges.
