Bangkok: The atmosphere surrounding the local promotion exams nationwide was orderly today as the 2026 nationwide competitive examination for recruitment and appointment of civil servants and local government employees in management positions unfolded at five venues across five provinces. Each venue was bustling from early morning, with candidates arriving as early as dawn to prepare for the exams. Deputy Commissioner Sembe expressed confidence in the transparency and the absence of any cheating schemes. Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Election Commission inspected polling stations in Roi Et, confirming 100% readiness.
According to Thai News Agency, in Khon Kaen province, the atmosphere at the civil service recruitment examination for local government positions was notably bustling, particularly at Khon Kaen University. Examinations were held at the Faculty of Engineering and the Khon Kaen University Demonstration School, with nearly 14,000 candidates from the Northeast region arriving as early as 6:00 AM to review textbooks and check their examination rooms. The process was orderly, especially in the transportation of examination papers, which was heavily guarded and recorded to ensure fairness. Candidates expressed confidence due to the stringent security measures. Khon Kaen province accommodated over 13,900 candidates across six examination venues in the Northeast region.
In Chiang Mai, examination centers were equally active. Candidates arrived at the four examination venues before 6:00 AM to avoid traffic and verify their names. The designated venues included Chiang Mai Technical College, Chiang Mai Commercial Technology College, Lanna Commercial Technology College, and Chiang Mai Vocational College. The examination consisted of two sessions: a morning session for general knowledge and aptitude tests, and an afternoon session for job-specific knowledge and aptitude tests. Each session lasted two hours, and strict security measures, including metal detectors and checks of personal items, were implemented to prevent cheating. The Chiang Mai Provincial Administration confirmed the transparency of the examination process and warned against solicitations for bribes. Only minor confusion was reported regarding similar-sounding venue names.
On a national level, Mr. Nirat Pongsitthithavorn, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Acting Director-General of the Department of Local Administration, inspected the Thammasat University venue. He confirmed rigorous anti-cheating measures and emphasized that individuals without official duties were barred from examination rooms. He also warned examinees against scams involving the sale of positions, urging them to trust in their abilities. Any detected cheating would result in immediate dismissal from government service.
Thammasat University reinforced its commitment to transparency, planning to broadcast the score counting process live via CCTV after the exams conclude at 3:30 PM. The university will provide a system for test takers to compare their answer sheets with the answer key after results are announced, expected by July 27th.
Nationwide, 37,359 candidates participated in the local government executive recruitment exam, with over 8,000 at Thammasat University. Approximately 17,543 positions are vacant.