Deputy PM Vows to Prosecute Officials Over Local Exam Fraud Audio

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak reiterated the urgency of investigating alleged fraud in local government entrance exams, calling for swift action to rebuild public trust and vowing to hold accountable those responsible. At a press conference on July 15 at Government House, Somkid stated that multiple agencies are already investigating and awaiting results to determine who was complicit in the scheme. He emphasized the importance of speed to provide clarity and address public concerns about where accountability lies.

When asked about cases against two individuals named Kij and Som, who face defamation and Computer Crime Act charges over an audio clip falsely suggesting Somkid was involved in extorting bribes from local officials, the Deputy PM said he has already been cleared on his part. He asserted that while Kij has denied any connection to him, such denials are not genuine exoneration, noting that bad news is believed absolutely while good news barely registers at one percent public credibility. He confirmed that his legal team is pursuing charges and questioning related individuals.

When asked whether public skepticism that only minor figures are being targeted reflects reality, Somkid expressed confidence that the Prime Minister has ordered a thorough investigation in which anyone who broke the law will be arrested and prosecuted. He acknowledged that attacks on the government and particularly the Interior Ministry are routine political tactics, comparing them to media spin and manufactured stories. He called for fair and balanced news coverage from all outlets and cautioned that unverified stories, once believed by society, take far longer to disprove.

Responding to speculation the government cannot survive four years, Somkid argued that silence is more dangerous than scrutiny, using the analogy of a tsunami preceded by an eerie calm. He suggested that political controversy can be healthy if the government can respond and clarify allegations. When pressed on confidence in completing the four-year term, Somkid reflected on his long political career since 1992, noting that governments facing intense coverage often endure longer than expected.