Anutin vows to pursue local exam fraud case with THB320m assets frozen

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed to continue pursuing a corruption case involving the alleged manipulation of local government recruitment exams, saying authorities have frozen THB320.86 million in assets linked to the case.

Speaking at a joint briefing on Friday (September 11), Anutin was joined by officials from the Interior Ministry, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) and the Royal Thai Police to update progress in the investigation.

He said the case had seriously affected public confidence in Thailand’s civil service system, but stressed that the investigation was not over.

“Many people may have understood that this case had ended, but the facts show otherwise. The investigation is continuing and authorities are expanding the probe in every direction,” Anutin said.

He added that the Interior Ministry had already taken action by removing individuals found to have altered examination scores from their positions.

Assets frozen as agencies work together

Anutin said the investigation began with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by seven agencies when he previously served as deputy prime minister and interior minister.

The agencies have since worked together under legal procedures, leading to the freezing of assets believed to be connected to the alleged offences.

A total of THB320,860,765 in assets has been frozen, while AMLO continues investigating financial transactions, analysing links between accounts and coordinating evidence related to those involved.

Government promises no protection for offenders

Anutin assured government agencies and the public that the administration would not protect or provide benefits to anyone involved in wrongdoing, regardless of their position.

He said authorities would follow the principle of focusing on actions rather than identities, and that anyone linked to suspicious financial transactions would face legal action.

“Whether the trail leads to anyone, we will proceed directly, transparently, fairly and in a way that can be examined. There will be no exceptions,” Anutin said.

He added that the government would continue its anti-corruption efforts to restore public confidence in the civil service and ensure fairness for candidates who sat the exams honestly.

Further legal action and disciplinary measures planned

Anutin said authorities would continue reporting progress, including legal action and the transfer or removal of officials connected to the examination fraud case.

Relevant agencies have also been asked to establish further investigation committees, with the prime minister describing the operation as having made significant progress.

Several suspects have already been arrested, while the investigation and asset tracing continue.

He urged the public not to worry about possible interference, saying the agencies involved were working under the MOU framework with clearly divided responsibilities to prevent the case from being altered or diverted from the facts.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is also conducting its own investigation, with cooperation from relevant agencies, Anutin said.

“The government and the Interior Ministry are fully cooperating. People can be confident that we are taking these cases seriously,” he said.