Bangkok: Worasit Liengprasit, Deputy Minister of Interior, has declared that officials implicated in the local government exam corruption scandal will be removed from their positions this August. This statement comes amidst ongoing investigations into the widespread corruption that affected tens of thousands of people.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Worasit outlined the progress of the investigation, revealing that a finalized list of individuals who altered exam scores has been prepared. This list will be submitted to the Central Committee for Local Government Recruitment Examinations (CGE) for finalization. A key meeting of the CGE is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5th, after which the matter will be presented to the Central Committee for Local Government Recruitment for acknowledgment. Once acknowledged, the information will be distributed to Provincial CGEs across all appointing provinces, instructing local administrative organizations to proceed with the removal of implicated officials.
Addressing concerns about the timeline, Mr. Worasit explained that the process began in June and has progressed over approximately one month and 30 days. He emphasized the scale of the investigation, noting that nearly 6,000 individuals have been identified in the corruption case. The urgency of the matter is expected to expedite the proceedings, with actions likely to follow swiftly after the central committee's decisions.
Mr. Worasit clarified that the authority to remove the corrupt officials lies with local administrative organizations. He underscored the need for verified data to support the revocation of appointments, emphasizing that local authorities require a structured framework to operate effectively.
Regarding the legal repercussions, Mr. Worasit confirmed ongoing arrests and charges being filed by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the police. He reassured that the process is progressing smoothly. As for the timeline, he stated that the involved individuals would be removed in August, following the meetings of the Civil Service Commission and the central commission.
Mr. Worasit also highlighted the need for a new list from the Local Government Personnel Administration Commission (LGAP) to fill vacancies left by those removed. Additionally, he mentioned that the potential public disclosure of those involved would require legal assessment, although all relevant information would be included in announcements.
He asserted that the information was clear, with altered scores leaving no room for discretion. All individuals involved will face criminal charges for their deliberate actions, with the police handling the criminal cases. Mr. Worasit concluded by stating that salaries received by those who held positions illegally should not have been disbursed in the first place.