Officials Flag 5,814 Local Exam Candidates Over Irregular Scores
Authorities flagged 5,814 local government exam candidates with irregular scores, including about 3,000 with clearly inflated results, after a joint investigation by anti-corruption and special investigation offices revealed widespread disc
At 1:15 p.m. on July 15th at the Department of Local Administration, Deputy Interior Minister Artsit Samphantharat disclosed findings from the 8th 2025 meeting of the Central Local Government Employee Examination Committee. He reported that the Prime Minister is concerned about the fraud allegations and has directed a complete and transparent inquiry. Examination Committee Chairman Wanchai Chanthaprom attended the meeting in person alongside multiple committee members.
Artsit stated that the committee received a comparison report of raw scores and announced scores from the Department of Local Administration, conducted jointly with the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). The review identified 5,814 candidates with irregular scores, divided into three groups:
– Group One: Approximately 3,000 candidates with clearly inflated scores – Group Two: Approximately 1,000 candidates who already had good scores but showed further suspicious increases – Group Three: Approximately 400 candidates with only a one-point difference but unclear answer sheets
Artsit stated the committee agreed to submit all 5,814 names to the central authority, which has legal power to decide whether to revoke their appointments. He emphasized that the central committee holds final decision-making power, while the separate July 23rd meeting of the three local government organizations—provincial administration, municipality, and subdistrict councils—will decide independently based on all available information. Final revocation orders must come from each candidate's employing local government organization leader.
When asked about promoting alternate candidates to replace those possibly revoked, Artsit said all answer sheets must be recounted first since they are held by the PACC, and any additional irregularities found would be prosecuted. Those not yet appointed face no impact, but will be hired according to qualification ranking when positions open from revocations.
Regarding salary recovery from revoked appointees, Artsit said that decision lies with the Department of Local Administration. On whether the 50,000 candidates hired in 2568 should be retroactively reviewed, he noted the PACC's investigation is ongoing with arrests already made, and any connections to past exams would depend on investigation findings. If any agency or individuals are implicated, the PACC will notify them.
Artsit also noted that the secretary of the Serious Discipline Examination Committee, who was initially appointed to the investigation committee before the PACC's involvement, has already withdrawn to maintain impartiality and will have no further role.
