BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand is facing one of the biggest exam scandals in its history, with allegations that over 3,000 candidates purchased positions in local government through an elaborate scheme, causing an estimated damage of 4.5 billion Baht.
The network reached deep into the authorities
At the heart of the scandal lies a nationwide hiring examination encompassing 87 job categories and exactly 6,669 positions. More than 100,000 applicants vied for these jobs. However, a portion of these applicants allegedly secured their positions not through merit, but through financial transactions.
Investigators describe the scheme as highly professional. For a payment, candidates reportedly gained access to copies of answer sheets. Incorrect answers were identified, and the sheets were subsequently manipulated to favor those who had paid.
Raid in Nonthaburi yielded crucial evidence
On June 22, officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission, alongside anti-corruption police, conducted a raid on a house in Nonthaburi. During the operation, they seized 18 computers, storage media, and sensitive lists.
Investigators discovered approximately 9,000 answer sheets at the location. Around 2,000 of these sheets had already been altered, all connected to approximately 3,000 individuals.
How much the cheating service cost
The network charged 350,000 Baht for general administrative positions. Those seeking more sought-after roles had to pay considerably more.
According to authorities, prices for these highly contested jobs ranged between 700,000 and 800,000 Baht. Investigators suspect the actual number of buyers could be even higher.
Ten civil servants under suspicion
Police have identified ten suspects, all of whom are public servants. No arrests have been reported yet, but financial transactions are being traced meticulously.
Concurrently, the Ministry of Interior is investigating whether officials from its own local administration department were actively involved in the fraud. Calls for severe consequences are growing louder.
Ministers threaten strictest penalties
Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit announced measures against anyone bearing responsibility. He did not specify whether the results of the candidates who paid would be revoked or if positions already awarded would be rescinded.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul used even stronger language, vowing that the government would employ the harshest legal means against all involved.
Unclear situation: Are the fraudsters already in office?
It remains entirely unclear how many of the 6,669 positions have actually been filled. Authorities warn that some beneficiaries of the scheme may have already been appointed to roles in local government.
Whether the approximately 3,000 suspected individuals are currently active in public service is part of the ongoing investigation. Their qualifications and appointments could be revoked, and they themselves risk criminal prosecution.
Unsuccessful candidates initiated the case
The scandal came to light when unsuccessful applicants filed complaints. They had not received access to their exam results and suspected irregularities.
The Local Administration Department had contracted the examination to Srinakharinwirot University. An investigation is now underway to determine if university employees or examination participants were complicit in the fraud.