Bangkok: The Department of Local Administration has taken decisive steps to address the controversy surrounding civil servants accused of cheating in local government exams. Mr. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Acting Director-General of the Department of Local Administration, has confirmed the establishment of a legal team to assist local authorities in managing potential legal challenges.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nirat has provided accurate score sheets to local authorities to facilitate the removal of those found guilty of cheating. He emphasized that the new legal team will oversee the situation across all provinces, ensuring that actions taken are supported by solid evidence. Despite inquiries about a fact-finding report linked to a former Director-General, Mr. Nirat mentioned he has not yet reviewed the document. He also addressed suggestions to dissolve the Central Committee for Local Government Employee Examinations (KST), clarifying that KST is a non-permanent entity responsible for conducting exams, and necessary personnel changes would be implemented. He reassured that the removal process is based on verifiable scores and that no unfair targeting has occurred.

Photographs from the resolution meeting show Mr. Nirat and Mr. Wirasak Hadda, President of the Association of Subdistrict Administrative Organizations of Thailand, in a congenial interaction. Mr. Wirasak expressed confidence on behalf of the three associations in revoking the licenses of the implicated civil servants without fear of lawsuits, declaring, "It's over, sir."

In a related development, a complaint regarding potential irregularities in the 2023 district chief examination has surfaced. Allegations of printing errors on answer sheets have been raised with the Committee on Political Development. The Department of Provincial Administration has clarified that the examination followed all legal procedures, concluding in April 2023. They assured that the exam was not conducted under the current senior management and affirmed that complainants have been informed of the investigative outcomes. Complainants are encouraged to pursue legal action if they feel unjustly treated.