Thailand to Remove 5,000 Officials Over Local Exam Cheating Scandal
Thailand will dismiss roughly 5,000 civil servants caught cheating on local government exams, with the central civil service commission reviewing cases on July 15 for final approval. Police will investigate financial ties and evidence while
Interior Ministry Deputy Secretary-General Akaradet Sampantharatana announced on July 13, 2026, that about 5,000 civil servants implicated in local government exam fraud will be referred to the central committee for dismissal. The central civil service commission will convene on July 15, after which findings will be sent to the central committee for a final decision on revoking appointments. When asked about potential lawsuits from dismissed officials, Akaradet stated that the government has empirical evidence and is confident in the correctness of its actions, citing the principle that "if today is right, there is no need to fear tomorrow."
Akaradet confirmed that all government officials involved in the misconduct will face legal proceedings. Police will investigate financial trails, testimonies, and other evidence. The inquiry extends beyond those initially flagged, encompassing all witnesses and related parties. The deputy director of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Theeraphattana Katcamat, who chairs the serious disciplinary investigation committee, stated that the process is just beginning and must be completed within 120 days. He added that no additional information has yet been received from other agencies, and that further names may emerge through separate legal processes depending on the findings.
