Law
Former Official Charged in Local Government Exam Fraud Scandal
The former Director-General of the Department of Local Administration has been charged in connection with a widespread exam cheating scandal, as authorities move to disqualify nearly 6,000 candidates.
According to Khaosod Online, Teerut Suppaviboonpol, the former Director-General of the Department of Local Administration, has reported to the Crime Suppression Division to face six charges, including malfeasance, document forgery, and certifying false documents. Teerut has denied all allegations, asserting that the examination process followed the established Terms of Reference and stating he will contest the charges in court.
Police report that 13 individuals are currently implicated in the fraud. This includes 11 local government officials accused of altering answer sheets, who face charges related to criminal association and the Computer Crime Act, and two others, including the former Director-General and the Director of the SWU Center for Educational and Psychological Test Evaluation. The police expect to submit the case file to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) by August 12.
Separately, the Ministry of Interior has confirmed that 5,925 individuals who passed the exam were found to have had their scores altered. Consequently, all 5,925 candidates will have their appointments as local government officials revoked. For residents and expatriates, this case highlights significant administrative instability within local government recruitment. While the legal proceedings against the high-ranking officials are ongoing, the immediate impact is the mass disqualification of thousands of new hires. Further developments regarding the NACC investigation remain to be confirmed.
Translated from Thai.
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