PM Anutin Reports Evidence of Exam Cheating, Orders Discipline
Prime Minister Anutin announced an investigation found widespread cheating in local civil service exams, with answer sheets altered to boost scores for connected candidates across multiple agencies.
At 2 p.m. on July 2, 2569, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister, accompanied by Permanent Secretary Atsit Sampatharatana and Deputy Permanent Secretary Santhithorn Yimlamnai, announced results of an investigation into local civil service exam fraud. Anutin revealed that within the seven-day timeframe he requested, an investigative committee completed preliminary findings of irregularities and apparent fraud schemes benefiting connected individuals selected as local officials.
Anutin stated that the Interior Ministry was not investigating alone, with seven agencies signing an MOU to coordinate oversight. Each agency had gathered evidence and conducted parallel investigations. The fraud scheme was premeditated, exploiting the government's anticipated short tenure. Answer sheets showed discrepancies—one candidate scored 45 on the original sheet but was recorded as 77 by the Department of Local Administration; another scored 33 but was listed as 70. Random sampling of 80 candidates revealed the same pattern throughout.
Anutin explained that the fraudsters used rain-resistant pencil marks on answer sheets in a sophisticated operation. He noted that under the seven-agency MOU established during his first tenure as Interior Minister, each agency has authority to pursue cases independently. All evidence will be consolidated for prosecution.
