Thailand suspends nearly 6,000 civil servants over exam‑fraud scandal

Thai police uncovered irregularities in the results of a local government recruitment exam, affecting roughly 5,900 civil‑service candidates. The Interior Ministry subsequently voided the scores of 5,924 applicants and will re‑issue rankings based on verified results. Investigations, begun in June, revealed that some officials received bribes of up to 800,000 baht to alter electronic test outcomes, allowing candidates to pass or improve their rankings.

Three alleged masterminds – two men and a woman – have been arrested; one fled to neighboring Laos before being captured. The suspects face fines and up to five years in prison. About 6,000 civil servants have been placed on suspension while a committee reviews the cases, and the Ministry of Interior said a final list of affected personnel will be confirmed within weeks. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul condemned the scheme as “disgusting” and warned of a cycle of corruption that undermines public trust. The National Anti‑Corruption Commission is also examining possible involvement of officials in the fraud.