Bangkok: In an effort to tackle corruption within the National Legislative Assembly, Anutin Charnvirakul is driving initiatives to close existing loopholes. The Office of the Permanent Secretary has announced new measures aimed at preventing corruption in competitive examinations for the recruitment and appointment of civil servants and local government officials in 2025. This move follows widespread reports of individuals allegedly paying 500,000-600,000 baht to secure passing marks in the exams. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been established with a network to combat corruption, deploying mobile units for inspections and sting operations.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Thiratham Supavibulphon, Director-General of the Department of Local Administration, disclosed that the Central Committee for Local Government Employees’ Competitive Examinations (CGC) announced the recruitment for civil servants and local government employees in 2025. Following the application period, numerous reports surfaced of individuals allegedly soliciting benefits, including tutoring and selling exam questions, to ensure applicants passed. To address these concerns, the Department of Local Administration held a joint meeting with various partners, including the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), and other anti-corruption bodies, to establish measures to prevent and combat corruption in these examinations.
Mr. Thiratham revealed that the meeting concluded on January 26, 2024, with the establishment of a joint MOU for the prevention and suppression of examination corruption. This includes collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). An additional two MOUs will be signed with DSI and AMLO to enhance corruption prevention efforts. These organizations will oversee university examinations at every stage, with contracts stipulating termination and liability for any university involvement in corruption.
In instances of reported corruption, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has mobilized a unit to work with MOU partners to investigate and take action against those involved. Further measures, such as sting operations and financial transaction investigations, have been put in place.
Reporters noted that Mr. Thirut Supavibulphol, Director-General of the Department of Local Administration, signed an order appointing a mobile task force to investigate corruption related to the 2025 examinations. Mr. Piya Kankan, an expert in local government personnel management, leads the task force, which is tasked with verifying facts, gathering evidence, and ensuring the protection of complainants and witnesses. The task force will coordinate with relevant agencies to address complaints of corruption and misconduct, reporting findings to the Department of Local Administration.
According to reports, 430,000 applicants registered for the December exam, with 30,000 expected to be announced. Allegations of payments to sit the exam had led to its postponement for two years under the government of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, who has emphasized transparency and tasked the Director-General of the Department of Local Administration with investigating and preventing significant corruption in the country.