Phakamol Challenges Interior Ministry On Local Exam Fraud Probe

On July 2, 2025, at Parliament, the House of Representatives convened to consider an urgent question from MP Phakamol Hunnanon of the Pheu Thai party regarding the Interior Ministry's progress in investigating fraud in local government civil service exams. The ministry has established a fact-finding committee chaired by the deputy permanent secretary. Phakamol questioned how the committee could ensure a fair investigation process without favoritism, particularly given voice clips alleging the deputy permanent secretary's wife was involved in exam fraud. She asked whether the committee would apply different scrutiny if the allegations concerned someone close to power, and whether all relevant local government department officials had been questioned thoroughly.

Deputy Interior Minister Vorasissit Liangprasit replied on behalf of the minister that the fact-finding committee was established on June 25 and has completed witness questioning. The investigation is now in the data analysis phase, with results due on July 3. With over 3,000 exam applicants involved, he asked for patience regarding whether any Interior Ministry officials are implicated.

Vorasissit stated the committee is not ignoring the various voice clips, some of which have circulated since late last year. The committee is focused on verifiable facts and evidence, including TOR details, and has gathered information from all relevant parties. He emphasized that while the committee will work quickly within the seven-day deadline, accuracy and thoroughness take priority—and if necessary, they will request additional time to ensure proper findings rather than rush to flawed conclusions.

On the question of the ministry's stance on the fraud, Vorasissit said the government does not tolerate corruption. The Prime Minister has ordered those responsible be held accountable and the facts made clear. Anyone involved, regardless of position, must face consequences.