Thailand to Revoke 3,621 Local Officials Over Exam Fraud Scandal
Thailand's government plans to revoke the appointments of 3,621 local officials implicated in an exam fraud scandal, pending confirmation of evidence by a civil service board.
Deputy Permanent Secretary Nirat Pongsitthathavorn, acting as director-general of the Department of Local Administration, announced on July 16 at Don Mueang Air Base that he would attend a central civil service exam board meeting the following day to consider revoking the appointments of 3,621 local officials. When asked whether all 3,621 officials could be revoked immediately, Nirat said that revocation would depend on whether clear evidence of wrongdoing was found. Responding to claims by the anti-corruption group STRONG Thailand that he was close to Dr. Win, the accused exam fraudster, Nirat stated he had never studied with or hired Dr. Win. He acknowledged knowing Dr. Win on a casual basis, explaining that he meets many people in his role and that Dr. Win had introduced himself to various officials as a courtesy, which he characterized as normal conduct. Nirat denied ever providing Dr. Win with any budget or employment opportunities during his tenure.
