Bangkok: Arsit is preparing to order a serious disciplinary investigation against five officials from the Local Administration Department for allegedly facilitating corruption in the local government exam.

According to Thai News Agency, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior is set to sign an order to commence disciplinary action against these high-ranking officials following an investigation that indicated their involvement in corruption related to local government examinations. The scope of the investigation will extend to other individuals involved in the malpractice.

Mr. Arsit Sampanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, noted the developments from the fact-finding committee led by Mr. Santithorn Yimlamai, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior. The committee's findings suggest that the five civil servants under the Department of Local Administration (DLA) engaged in disciplinary misconduct. The Ministry of Interior plans to establish a disciplinary investigation committee for these individuals. Possible consequences include salary reductions, probation, or dismissal if found guilty of corruption.

The confirmation of these individuals' negligence in duty by facilitating corruption is established, but identifying the specific stages of corruption awaits completion of the investigation.

Mr. Arsit mentioned that the Ministry of Interior, through the Discipline and Civil Servant Performance Enhancement Division, is organizing a disciplinary investigation order. The order will list the involved individuals, confirming that all five are high-ranking officials. The Permanent Secretary will sign the order upon submission.

The investigation will not conclude with these five officials. It will expand to include others involved in the Terms of Reference (TOR) and related processes after the initial investigation.