BANGKOK, Thailand – Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced a brutal shake-up for his corruption-riddled ministry. He calls it a full “reset” in August, making it crystal clear there will be no protection for officials caught up in the alleged hiring exam fraud.
The double-hatted minister, who also serves as prime minister, told senior officials at a meeting on Tuesday he holds no personal grudges. “I have never hated anyone,” he said, but the time for looking the other way is over.
Reset button for the Interior Ministry
After a three-month political break, Anutin said he will press the “reset button” in August. He expects his people to deliver tangible results and a real fresh start to restore battered credibility.
I have never hated anyone
said Anutin Charnvirakul, Interior Minister and Prime Minister.
The harsh statement comes against the backdrop of a scandal over alleged fraud in the recruitment of administrative officials. A government committee estimates that more than 100 people from the public and private sectors could be involved in the manipulations.
Over 100 suspects and thousands of cancellations
Authorities are preparing to revoke the exam results of 5,924 applicants. Investigators uncovered irregularities linked to the system. Anutin made clear that corruption will not be tolerated.
Do not let parasitic weeds overgrow the good grass
said Anutin, quoting a proverb.
His choice of words left nothing to the imagination. In a speech, he demanded the eradication of corrupt individuals before they destroy the reputation of honest officials.
Parasitic weeds and lions
He added combatively: “We must roar like lions, not bark like puppies.” The current crisis of trust must be seen as an opportunity to prove to society that such incidents will not be repeated.
The minister particularly criticised greed within his own ranks. He warned against letting the Interior Ministry – “Krasuang Mahatthai” in Thai – degenerate into a “ministry for demanding large bribes.”
Krasuang Mahatthai and a bitter pun
He used a bitter wordplay with the similar-sounding “maha thai,” which roughly translates to “extorting big money.” The message to those present was unmistakable.
Beyond the merciless reckoning, Anutin ordered provincial governors to immediately enforce law and order. He named fighting drug trafficking, illegal entertainment venues, and human trafficking as top priorities.
Order to governors and preparation for Myanmar visit
Separately, he ordered the governors to gather information for planned talks with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing. The visit to Thailand is scheduled for August 6–8.