Bangkok: Authorities are proceeding with legal action in the case of identity theft during the civil service entrance exam, and plans are being expanded to include those who hired others to take the exam on their behalf. The Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) is moving forward with legal action against those who impersonated candidates in the civil service entrance exam, and is preparing to expand the investigation to include those who hired others to take the exam. Currently, the case is under police investigation. He revealed that only one person out of 8,000 test takers has been found to have committed the offense, emphasizing that civil service exams must be conducted honestly and transparently.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Teerapat Khachamat, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), addressed the issue of impersonation in the DDPM's civil service recruitment examination, stating that measures have been put in place at every stage and in every aspect of the examination. He emphasized to the examination supervisors and Suan Dusit University, the contractor for this examination, the need to meticulously monitor procedures, including prohibiting collarless t-shirts, sandals, communication devices, and metal jewelry in the examination room.
Mr. Teerapat stated that during the exam, the examination committee encountered a test taker whose appearance did not match their national ID card. The committee members approached the test taker and questioned them. The test taker explained that they had undergone chemotherapy, which had altered their facial features. The committee then re-examined the case and stated that police officers would need to guard the examination room because the test taker was already inside. This was in accordance with examination rules, requiring test takers to remain in the room until the end of the exam, regardless of when they finished. Upon learning of this, they arranged for police to guard the room for fear of the test taker escaping. The test taker eventually left the room and was apprehended by the police for questioning. The person impersonating the test taker admitted to taking the exam in their place.
Mr. Teerapat also stated that the issue of identity theft during the exam is currently under police investigation. On the day of the incident, after the exam, the person who impersonated the person was taken to the district office for fingerprint and identity verification. Once it was clear that they were not the same person, they were sent to the police station. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) is the plaintiff, having suffered damages only in this case. He will convey to the police that such actions are wrong, especially when disseminating information that causes distress to others. He requested that they closely monitor the case and investigate further to determine if there are any connections to anyone else, and who the person who allowed the person to take the exam in their place is.
When asked whether the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), which already has a list of exam candidates, would summon those individuals for questioning, Mr. Teerapat said that not yet. Currently, the matter is in the police process. The DDPM has photos of the candidates' ID cards and knows of those who have impersonated them. We are certain we can investigate. Today, we may send a letter to the police station again to reinforce the procedures and to review the legal steps involved.
Regarding the penalties for cheating in civil service recruitment exams, Mr. Theerapat stated that those impersonating candidates have no right to take the exam, and taking the exam on behalf of someone else could violate several laws, including criminal law, and cause damage to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
When asked whether the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) would revoke the rights of the ID cardholders once the investigation is complete, Mr. Teerapat said, "Definitely, because it is considered dishonest from the start. Prior to the investigation, we had repeatedly emphasized this, as the department is responsible for caring for the public and dealing with disasters. The DDPM is short approximately 200 civil servants. Therefore, we have been trying to convey that we need people who truly understand the department's context and can provide 24/7 public care. Those who join must have a proactive and determined mindset.