Phichit Dismisses 55 Local Officials Over Exam Cheating
Phichit Province dismissed 55 local officials across provincial, municipal and subdistrict administrations for exam cheating, effective August 31, following central government orders.
On September 10, Thaniya Naiypinij, Governor of Phichit Province, announced that after local government committees—including provincial administrative organization, municipal, and subdistrict administration committees—met and informed the provincial local administration promotion office, all 55 officials have been dismissed following central directives. The removal comprises 7 from the provincial administrative organization, 17 from municipal governments, and 31 from subdistrict administrations, effective August 31. The dismissals have been processed and all 55 individuals have departed their posts. However, whether they must repay their salaries remains unclear and will depend on guidance from the central department. The directive was to remove them, not terminate them, so the outcome also depends on any indictment the National Anti-Corruption Commission may issue.
