Cops widen probe into exam fraud

Evidence sought from three agencies

The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) has sought key evidence from three agencies as police widen their investigation into alleged fraud in the 2025 local civil service recruitment exams.

Investigators said requests for documents and evidence were sent on June 26 to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Department of Local Administration (DLA) and Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), which administered the exams.

The probe was expanded following an order from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to pursue all those involved.

The move follows a complaint filed by Subin Saengsuriya on behalf of the Interior Ministry after an NACC raid on June 23 at Sam Muang Charoen Rungrueangkit Co in Bang Yai district of Nonthaburi.

Officials allegedly found evidence that computer software had been used to alter scores on copies of answer sheets to match officially announced results for recruitment to local government positions.

The NACC seized copies of answer sheets, computer equipment and communication devices during the raid.

CSD investigators said the material is needed to establish offences under Section 188 of the Criminal Code and the Computer Crime Act. Police have requested digital evidence seized during the raid, including answer sheets, answer keys, lists of suspected cheaters, witness statements and statements from those present at the scene, as well as original answer sheets seized from Chanwanich Co Ltd.

Investigators have also asked the DLA to provide examination regulations, lists of officials involved in organising the tests and all data files received from SWU. The university has been asked to submit exam papers, answer sheets and related materials.

As of Monday, none of the three agencies had responded.

Meanwhile, police are expanding a parallel investigation into former Phuket deputy provincial governor Rungroeng Thimabut, who was arrested on allegations he acted as a middleman demanding money from applicants in exchange for help passing the exams and securing positions.

Central Investigation Bureau deputy commissioner Pol Maj Gen Jruykiat Pankaeo said a complaint had previously accused Mr Rungroeng of demanding 1 million baht to help amend Sor Kor 1 land documents in Phuket. The case remains under investigation.

Financial records showed that, of the 1 million baht allegedly transferred, 900,000 baht was used to repay victims in an earlier case involving promises of local government jobs, while the remaining 100,000 baht remained in Mr Rungroeng's account.

Police have since searched his residence, seizing computers and documents, including local government job application forms and materials linked to the exam organisers. Authorities also found draft legal documents relating to a previous transfer order.

Pol Maj Gen Jruykiat said three or four more victims had contacted investigators and were preparing to file additional complaints. Police have expanded the probe after information suggested a wider network recruited applicants before referring them to Mr Rungroeng.

A separate case involving a local official in Phetchabun linked to the exam fraud remains under investigation.