Thai Officials Face Discipline Over Local Gov Exam Fraud
Five civil servants from Thailand's Department of Local Administration face discipline after suspected corruption was discovered in a local government civil service exam; the Interior Ministry is establishing a disciplinary committee to inv
On July 3, 2025, at 11:40 a.m. in Ayutthaya Province, Artis Samphantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, discussed the progress of establishing a disciplinary committee to investigate five civil servants from the Department of Local Administration following the discovery of suspected corruption in a local government civil service competitive examination.
He stated that the order establishing the severe disciplinary committee would be signed shortly and is currently under review, with the appointment of both a committee chair and members expected to proceed as quickly as possible.
Artis said the Interior Ministry will fully handle its responsibilities and any individuals involved—including employers, private sector entities, or those connected to the system—will be prosecuted according to the Prime Minister's directives. He emphasized that although the Interior Ministry has many departments, when problems occur at the Department of Local Administration, they must be resolved according to the Prime Minister's orders.
He added that anyone found to be involved will face individual disciplinary proceedings, with timelines reviewed by a new committee. He confirmed that action will be thorough and those responsible will be held accountable for their actions. "Everyone reaps what they sow," he stated.
When asked whether previously delayed committee actions disrespected ministerial authority, Artis said the Interior Ministry committee voted to suspend proceedings, while other agencies voted to allow passed candidates to report for duty, requiring compliance with the meeting's resolution.
When asked if those already appointed can be recalled if wrongdoing is discovered later, Artis confirmed that those who committed fraud but were already appointed must be called back. He acknowledged that some appointees were involved in the corruption process, meaning they are culpable even if they resigned beforehand, as the fraudulent process is not concluded.
