PM Vows Thorough Probe into Civil Service Exam Rigging

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Tuesday pledged to pursue a full investigation into alleged corruption in local government recruitment exams, assuring that all involved would face justice. As the Interior Minister, he insisted the widening probe would not become a "fixed fight." The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) is preparing additional charges against suspects already in custody and has summoned two senior officials to acknowledge multiple criminal charges linked to alleged cheating in last year's local civil service examinations. Speaking before an informal meeting with senior Interior Ministry executives, Mr Anutin said investigators continued to make progress, with suspects still being identified and arrested. "The system is definitely not lax, and the regulations are not lax," the prime minister said. "The people who use the regulations and the system are dishonest." Mr Anutin rejected suggestions that weaknesses in the civil service system had enabled the alleged fraud. He said he would begin working from the Interior Ministry two days a week to maintain closer contact with officials and improve administration and public services, although he could perform his duties from Government House or other locations. He acknowledged the scandal could affect public confidence but said authorities had acted quickly once irregularities were uncovered. Within just over two weeks, he said investigators had expanded the case, arrested several suspects, and continued revoking the names of those implicated in the recruitment process. Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Anutin met National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) president Suchart Trakulkasemsuk, who is chairing the subcommittee investigating the case. He said the NACC's direct involvement reinforced his confidence that the investigation would be impartial and would not end as a "fixed fight" that deceives the public. An internal government inquiry led by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt is expected to conclude within two to three days before its findings are consolidated with those of other agencies. Mr Anutin said three suspects were already in custody and many others had been summoned. The CSD has announced it is preparing an additional charge of aiding public officials in misconduct against the three suspects in custody. The three have been named as Win Thanaphatcharaphokin, adviser to the director of the Office of Promotion and Training at Kasetsart University; his sister, Sataporn Thanaphatcharaphokin; and Sgt Maj Dr Pichit Thongprom, director of the Strategy and Budget Division of Wichian Buri Municipality in Phetchabun.