PM Anuthins Denies Local Exam Fraud Tied To Political Infighting

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, also Interior Minister, dismissed claims that the local government exam fraud scandal is connected to blue-faction political infighting on July 3 in Ayutthaya. Responding to allegations involving Natthapong Rueangpanya, a People's Party list MP and party deputy leader, Anutin insisted the corruption case stems from administrative systems, not political rivalry. He said seven agencies have launched investigations that go beyond fact-finding to trace financial flows of the wrongdoers and accomplices, as well as to prosecute officials who misused their authority—actions that amount to breaking the law with no political dimension whatsoever.

Anutin noted that the system being probed was already abolished three years ago, and current inspections use the new TOR (Terms of Reference), which makes fraud harder to commit. However, he said someone brazenly altered computer files, comparing the perpetrators to drowning people who lash out desperately. He emphasized that seven agencies have been tasked with this work under an MOU, and accountability will be pursued regardless of political affiliation.

When asked how the Interior Ministry will rebuild public trust, Anutin stressed the need to speed up investigations while adhering to proper procedures. He noted that the original exam papers are now secured and digitized, making tampering obvious. The discrepancy between original scores and computer records proves the files were altered dishonestly. Anutin expressed confidence that the government will eradicate such wrongdoing, especially within the civil service structure, stating that anyone who sells positions or promotes corruption from day one deserves consequences, not decades of tolerance. He rejected suggestions that the scandal reflects blue-faction disputes, insisting it is purely a civil service matter with no politics involved, and that wrongdoers will face accountability regardless of connections.