Police Chief Updates Local Government Exam Fraud Investigation
Police arrested three individuals in a local administration exam fraud investigation after tracing leaked documents ordered by state officials, with evidence gathering expected within days for prosecution.
On July 22, Deputy Police Commander Nattasak Chouvanasai disclosed progress in the corruption investigation into the Department of Local Administration examination fraud. The main case remains under the National Anti-Corruption Commission's jurisdiction, while the Police Central Investigation Bureau has received formal complaints from the Interior Ministry and the Department of Local Administration regarding leaked exam documents. Investigators traced the document distribution and identified those who ordered the alterations, leading to arrest warrants for three individuals, all of whom have been apprehended.
Chouvanasai stated that evidence indicates state officials were involved in the document leak and requested 2–3 additional days to gather evidence for prosecution. The eleven individuals arrested in connection with this matter are being held as witnesses by the Anti-Corruption Commission, which has already interrogated them. Police are focusing on those who planned and executed the alterations.
Regarding reports of higher-ranking officials involved, Chouvanasai clarified that a previously arrested sergeant was a state employee but had no direct role in the examination process. In this case, however, the suspects are state officials with direct involvement in the scheme. A special investigation committee has been established to review the matter. A report to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister is expected by August 5. Chouvanasai confirmed that the Police Central Investigation Bureau had no involvement in the Department of Local Administration's sudden meeting cancellation and was merely fulfilling its duty as a fact-finding committee to recommend measures preventing future examination fraud.
