A government committee estimates more than 100 people from the public and private sectors may be involved in the local government exam fraud process.
Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt said on Saturday the investigation has been organised into four key areas. The first examines how the number of vacant positions was determined and why the figure expanded significantly from the original request.
The second focuses on pre-test weaknesses. Investigators found irregularities in procurement, terms of reference, contract management and administration. Mr Pakorn said many procedures differed substantially from standards followed by the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC).
The third section reviews whether document management and examination procedures complied with standards set by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, while the final section investigates how appointments increased from the originally approved 8,000 positions to about 10,000, and whether the expansion was legal.
Mr Pakorn said the committee will work through the weekend to complete the report before submitting it to the prime minister on Aug 4. It will list everyone involved at each stage, including those who approved decisions and those who participated without formal authority.
He said the report will not determine guilt or identify bribery suspects but will serve as a foundation for subsequent investigations and future recruitment improvements.
Meanwhile, Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) commissioner Pol Lt Gen Natthasak Chaowanasai said the CIB has requested additional documents and testimony from Srinakharinwirot University while conducting further technical examinations.
Investigators expect to decide by Monday whether to take legal action against additional suspects beyond the three already under investigation. If no further criminal action is taken, the findings will be forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for further proceedings.
