Re: "5,814 caught in exam scandal" & "Honeymoon ends for PM Anutin", (BP, July 16).
The Department of Local Administration has submitted a list of 5,814 appointed candidates (out of 6,500 positions) whose examination scores were found to be irregular to the Central Examination Committee for consideration of revoking their appointments.
Just let it sink in: more than 430,000 applicants for 6,500 positions have a 0.7% chance of being appointed! Payments to the fraudulent ring reportedly ranged from 350,000 to 800,000 baht (an average of 692,308 baht or US$20,600 per applicant), and investigators believe the ring may have pocketed up to 4.5 billion baht.
The chance that a whole lot more than 5,814 would have paid an average of 692,308 baht is very likely. Therefore, a much higher amount than the estimated total of 4.5 billion baht.
Apparently, this recruitment examination is a profitable business model! With the right stamps in hand, you'll recoup that investment faster than a crypto trader. One wonders how many years this scam has been going on and whether there are enough jails for all those criminally prosecuted, if at all?
S de Jong
A star is born
Re: "Nene's got talent: envoy role awaits", (BP, July 15).
What a terrific, heartwarming story. The YouTube clip of Nene's America's Got Talent audition is a must-see. She brought down the house with her performance of the 1990's song Zombie. She has quickly become a bona fide representative of national pride and an inspiration to all Thai people. However, the profound meaning of the lyrics is worth mentioning, as it has largely been ignored in the coverage. Originally, it was a protest song by the Irish band The Cranberries, decrying a terrorist bombing attack by the IRA that killed two young boys in Cheshire, England, in 1993, and injured more than 50 people. The song quickly became an internationally recognised anti-war, anti-violence anthem. I was fortunate to see them perform it live at Woodstock II in 1994 -- a riveting, unforgettable experience. The fact that Nene chose that song for her audition highlights that she is truly a special young talent with substance!
CNX JON
