PHETCHABUN, Thailand – A top city official is offering to resign as he faces scrutiny in a nationwide exam fraud scandal. Pol. Sgt. Pichit, Director of the Strategy and Budget Department, is preparing to step down. Investigators believe he was a key figure in an operation that unearthed a cache of altered examination answer sheets.
Sammelstelle für Antwortbögen entdeckt
Investigators from the Anti-Corruption Authority and the National Anti-Corruption Committee conducted a search at a residential property in the Bang Yai district of Nonthaburi. Acting on a warrant from the provincial court, they discovered the hidden location. There, examination documents intended for local government positions in 2026 were allegedly collected and secretly altered. Authorities uncovered a significant network involved in manipulating the municipal examinations.
Preisliste für Beamtenposten
During the investigation, officials found substantial evidence of organized demands for money. The masterminds behind the scheme reportedly charged approximately 350,000 Baht to manipulate an exam for a general position. In highly competitive fields with intense pressure, the group demanded even larger sums from applicants, with evidence pointing to 700,000 to 800,000 Baht being paid.
Verdacht gegen Direktor Pichit
Sergeant Major Pichit, the Director of Strategy and Budget for the city of Wichian Buri, is considered one of the central figures in this network. Investigators are convinced that he stored and hoarded the incriminating answer sheets at the searched residence. Pichit is now apparently preparing to withdraw from his service.
Rücktritt soll heute erfolgen
A senior manager within the city administration confirmed to reporters that Pichit intends to submit his letter of resignation on June 25. It remained unclear whether he would appear in person. Pichit stated that the reason for his step is to allow for a transparent investigation, thereby temporarily avoiding disciplinary consequences.
Mehr als 30 eigene Leute bestanden
An additional point of concern is the number of successful candidates from the immediate circle of the city administration. Local media reports indicate that the names of over 30 employees of the Wichian Buri administration appeared on the passing lists. The examination for local officials in 2026 is under suspicion of large-scale fraud involving manipulated answer sheets.
Bürgermeister leitet schwerwiegende Untersuchung ein
The mayor of Wichian Buri immediately intervened in the case. He ordered the formation of a committee to conduct a serious disciplinary investigation. This measure aims to comprehensively clarify the allegations against the director and the unusually high success rate among his own staff.