Bangkok: The Department of Local Administration addresses allegations of corruption surrounding the local government examination process.

According to Thai News Agency, the National Statistical Office (NSO) has clarified recent reports about alleged cheating, emphasizing that the answer sheets are securely stored at Srinakharinwirot University.

An investigation led to the discovery of a residence in Bang Len Subdistrict, Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi Province, allegedly used for altering exam scores of candidates who paid for higher marks. Authorities identified Mr. P., the Director of the Strategy and Budget Division of a municipality in Phetchabun Province, as the suspect responsible for storing the answer sheets. A substantial amount of evidence linked to the crime was uncovered during the search.

The Department of Local Administration has announced that the Central Committee for Local Government Employee Examinations (CGE) has decided to oversee the administration of the competitive examination for recruiting local government officials in 2025. Srinakharinwirot University has been contracted to manage all aspects of the examination process, ranging from question preparation to securing exam venues and processing scores. The Department is working closely with several anti-corruption agencies, including the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), to prevent and combat examination fraud.

The answer sheets are currently stored in a secure room at the university, monitored by 24-hour CCTV cameras. Only authorized personnel from the university and the Department of Local Administration have access to the room. The Department has expressed its willingness to cooperate with any investigations and will pursue legal action against anyone found involved in the alleged corruption.