Bangkok: The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior has issued an urgent directive to deploy volunteer security personnel to ensure the security of the Department of Statistics. This move comes amid heightened concerns following a significant raid conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and law enforcement on suspicions of corruption within local government examinations.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Arsit Sampantharat, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, has commanded the Directorate of the Volunteer Defense Corps (VDC) to station VDC members as security guards at government premises, with a particular focus on the Department of Local Administration (DLA). This action underscores the urgency to bolster security measures in the wake of the corruption probe.

The Directorate of the Volunteer Defense Corps has responded by deploying four members from the Special Operations Company 1, under the Ministry of Interior, along with necessary emergency response equipment. Their primary task is to safeguard the Department of Local Administration, ensuring the integrity and security of its operations.

Reports indicate that the directive from the Ministry of Interior's Permanent Secretary, Mr. Arsit Sampantharat, to deploy the Volunteer Defense Corps came in response to ongoing investigations by the NACC and the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Suppression Division (ACMSD) of the Royal Thai Police. These investigations are focused on alleged corruption during the 2025 competitive examination for the recruitment of local government officials and employees. The probe is reportedly being expanded to encompass additional agencies and individuals potentially linked to the allegations.