Bangkok: The Local Government Examination Board (LGEB) has approved a resolution to address cheating in local government exams, with plans to submit the proposal to the central committee on August 6th. According to Thai News Agency, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Arsit Sampanrat, announced that the Local Administration Commission has endorsed a resolution to tackle exam cheating. The proposal is set to be presented to the central committee for final approval. Notably, investigations will be conducted into the 97 individuals who passed the exam and were appointed, but whose scores were later found to be inflated. Authorities have warned that those involved in cheating could face imprisonment.

Mr. Arsit Sampanrat revealed that during a meeting of the Central Committee for Local Government Employee Examinations (CGE), a resolution was passed to revoke the names of civil servants who cheated. The meeting concluded with the approval of a new list, following the guidelines established by Mr. Wanchai Chanporn, Chairman of the CGE. This new list will include approximately 12,000 individuals who passed honestly, excluding those with manipulated scores. Further discussion on ensuring a fair list will occur at the central committee meeting scheduled for August 6th.

For those whose scores were artificially inflated, Mr. Arsit explained that they fall into two categories. The first group, comprising 561 individuals, will be excluded from the list. The second group, consisting of 97 individuals already on the list, will have their situation reviewed during the central committee meeting. Investigations will be conducted to determine the cause and methods of score inflations. Legal action will be taken against those found guilty of corruption, potentially leading to dismissal or imprisonment.

Mr. Arsit highlighted the need to identify who was responsible for inflating scores, emphasizing that family members or acquaintances may have been involved. Once identified, these individuals will face consequences and will not escape punishment.

Mr. Boonprasong Nuansai, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Local Administration, disclosed that among those with adjusted scores, 774 individuals were identified. Verification showed that 561 were on the original list, but 211 did not report for duty. Of those remaining, 97 will stay on the list, while 464 will be placed on a waiting list based on actual scores.

Addressing public concerns about the 97 individuals, Mr. Boonprasong stated that their acceptance follows legal guidelines under Articles 18 and 19. The investigation into alleged corruption will be conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) or the police.