Bangkok: The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has uncovered a case of identity fraud involving individuals impersonating candidates during civil service examinations. The discovery was made after examination supervisors noticed discrepancies between the faces of some candidates and their national ID cards, prompting immediate legal action and an expanded investigation to identify other group members involved.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Teerapat Khachamat, Director-General of the DDPM, explained that during the 2026 competitive examination for civil service positions at Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, an anomaly was reported. A candidate, who claimed to be 28 years old, failed to match the photograph on their national ID and application, citing chemotherapy-related appearance changes. However, further identity verification revealed the individual was 57 years old, impersonating another person.

Following this discovery, examination supervisors and police officers accompanied the impersonator to Sam Sen Police Station, filing a complaint with the investigating officer. The suspect faced two charges: making false statements to an official and using another person's national identity card. The suspect confessed and will be forwarded to the public prosecutor for further legal proceedings.

Mr. Teerapat emphasized the need for stringent actions against all involved, including those who hired impersonators and the impersonators themselves, to maintain the integrity of the civil service examination. The DDPM aims to expand the investigation to identify other group members and disqualify applicants involved in the fraudulent scheme, ensuring transparency and fairness for all candidates.

Reporters noted Mr. Teerapat's visit to the examination sites, including Suan Dusit University, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Rajadamnern Commercial Technology College, and Ban Somdej Chaopraya Rajabhat University, where he monitored the examination process for transparency and security.

The DDPM's recruitment examination attracted over 16,000 eligible applicants for positions such as Policy and Planning Analyst, Financial and Accounting Officer, Public Relations Officer, and others, with a total of 217 positions available.