Police Arrest Head of Local Exam Bribery Network
Police arrested the leader of a local‑exam bribery network in his office and said they had sent the investigation file to the National Anti‑Corruption Commission within the required 30‑day limit. Three suspects were released after the maximum 84‑day detention period expired because the NACC had not yet forwarded the case to prosecutors. Authorities warn that if the suspects flee, the NACC will request police to re‑arrest them.
On October 9, 2026, reporters updated the story of corruption and bribery in local‑government recruitment exams. The Bangkok Special Prison released Win Thanaphonphokin (known as Dr. Win), Sergeant Major Dr. Pichit Thangphrom (known as Sergeant Major Dr. Pichit), and Sattapon Thanaphonphokin from detention after they had been held for the maximum 84 days (seven detention periods) under Article 87 of the Criminal Procedure Code, because the NACC had not finished its investigation and forwarded the case to the prosecutor within the required time. The CIB stated that police investigators had completed their inquiry and evidence gathering within the 30‑day limit and had sent the full investigation file to the NACC, just as they had done for other suspect groups. The release of the three suspects resulted from the expiration of the legal detention period; police no longer have authority to hold them unless a new case arises. If the suspects later attempt to flee, the NACC will ask police to pursue and re‑arrest them for further prosecution.
A senior CIB source said that the Police Anti‑Corruption Division (BGP.PPP) continues to expand its investigation, recently arresting Permanent Secretary Or, aged 63, from Nakhon Nayok Province, who is identified as another head of the bribery network. He was taken from his office under a warrant from the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct on October 8. The source added that suspects had been asked to pay 350,000 baht to secure placement as local‑government officials; investigations showed the money was funneled to a woman named Phannee.
Further probing revealed a clear division of labor: the group led by Dr. Win and Sergeant Major Dr. Pichit handled receiving flash drives with candidate lists and altering scores or answers, while another group directly solicited bribes from exam candidates, involving local administrators and brokers. Police said they will finish the investigation file for the newly arrested suspects within the 30‑day window and submit it to the NACC for further action.
