Bangkok: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has appointed the Crime Suppression Division as a special investigation committee to investigate the exam cheating case. The Commissioner of the Crime Suppression Division revealed that the NACC has appointed officers from the division to assist in the investigation of corruption in the local government examinations. Following the submission of charges against the first group involved, the investigation is being expanded to identify additional perpetrators and those behind the scenes. A clearer picture is expected by the end of the month or early next month. The Commissioner affirmed that the investigation will continue and will not be swept under the rug.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Nattasak Chaowanasai, Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, revealed the progress in the local government exam corruption case. After investigations revealed the involvement of government officials, summonses were issued to those involved, including Mr. Ruangdej Sirikit, Director of the Office of Educational and Psychological Testing at Srinakharinwirot University; Mr. Theerut Suphawibulphol, former Director-General of the Department of Local Administration; and the group responsible for altering exam scores. Last week, the case was forwarded to the NACC for further action. The NACC has appointed the Central Investigation Bureau to form a special investigation committee and has provided some information to the police for further action on several issues. The process is currently underway.
Regarding the brokers and those involved, the police will proceed according to the information provided by the NACC and will compile the findings to send back to the NACC. They are requesting more time for investigators to complete their work and expect clearer progress by the end of this month or early next month.
The investigation has not stopped at just filing charges. The NACC is moving forward to take action against everyone involved, including the brokers, those behind the scenes, and others connected. Regarding those who passed the exam and have already been appointed, there are currently several groups under investigation. Information from the NACC is awaited before considering further action.
As to whether there is any evidence linking the case to a group beyond government officials, findings from the NACC's committee are awaited. The case is ongoing and has not been silenced. All those involved will be investigated to prosecute them based on the facts and evidence.