Bangkok: "Big Tao" (a nickname for a high-ranking official) exposed a cheating ring linked to Prime Minister Heng, alleging that over 100 people were bribed with 650,000 baht each. 57 people have already been appointed to positions in the government. Authorities are preparing to summon those involved for questioning to identify the mastermind. Today at 6:00 PM, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Panngaeo, Deputy Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, revealed details of the arrest of Mr. Prawit Jaruratchakul, also known as "Mayor Heng," a former Pheu Thai Party parliamentary candidate, along with Ms. Nawaporn Pruprang, an official from a sub-district administrative organization in Sisaket Province. They are accused of demanding 650,000 baht, allegedly for assistance in passing the local government recruitment exam.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat stated that police had previously arrested suspects in the group led by Mr. Pichit Thangprom. Meanwhile, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) appointed the commander of the Crime Suppression Division and the commander of the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Suppression Division as assistant investigators in the case. This arrest stemmed from a complaint filed by victims in Sisaket province against Mr. Prawit. The Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Suppression Division accepted the case as part of a policy allowing individuals who have felt they have been treated unfairly or whose cases are experiencing delays to file complaints with the Crime Suppression Division or the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Suppression Division on a case-by-case basis. If the case involves corruption, the file will be forwarded to the NACC to be combined with the main case files.
Regarding the circumstances, it was found that Mr. Prawit acted as a broker in recruiting people to take the exam, with Ms. Nawaporn, a close associate and subordinate, handling the contact and persuasion of candidates, as well as collecting money. There are more than 100 victims in this scheme, specifically those who received money in the 2025 fiscal year but were implicated in 2024.
The investigation revealed that approximately 57 candidates whose names are on the list of successful candidates are guaranteed to be appointed in 2026. There is also information regarding the alteration of the exam questions. Meanwhile, there are about 40 people who paid money but whose names are not on the list of successful candidates, each paying approximately 650,000 baht. Most of them have filed complaints of fraud in Sisaket province. Currently, one victim has filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Division of the Royal Thai Police in this case.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat believes that the group of approximately 57 people who passed the exam have likely already paid the full amount. As for the group of about 40 people who did not pass, they have demanded a refund from Mr. Prawit, but Mr. Prawit has been evasive and has fled the area.
Regarding Mr. Prawit's claim that he could alter answers or improve exam scores, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat stated that Mr. Prawit has been partially cooperative, and the police still need to investigate the facts further. When asked whether the 57 successful candidates would also face charges, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat indicated that they must be summoned for questioning individually to determine whether the payment and passing the exam were due to fraudulent intent. It cannot yet be concluded that all of them paid to pass, as some may have passed based on their own abilities, while others may have had the exam questions altered.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat further stated that within the group, Ms. Nawaporn played a role in collecting the money, while Mr. Prawit had information suggesting he could influence the investigation. Therefore, they are being prosecuted jointly. Police have also found some information regarding the money trail and other related individuals. He confirmed that further action will be taken against those involved specifically in this case, but details are not being disclosed at this time for fear of jeopardizing the investigation.
Regarding the connection to Mr. Pichit's group, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat stated, "There is clear evidence of a connection," but declined to disclose the nature of the connection. He emphasized that the two cases should not be directly compared, but that there is a link between the suspects already arrested and those arrested this time.
Regarding Mr. Prawit's claim that the LINE account was forged, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat stated that a thorough investigation is needed. Police have found that other individuals are involved, and there may be additional evidence linking them to further related persons.
When asked if there were individuals higher up than Mr. Prawit, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat stated that the case would proceed and, upon completion, the file would be submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) within 30 days. This would allow for the inclusion of certain individuals as witnesses, potentially expanding the investigation to the main perpetrators. He believes the investigation will reach those behind the scenes at a higher level than the suspects arrested today.
Regarding concerns that the case would be prosecuted solely on fraud charges, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat confirmed that the police view the actions of the two suspects as falling under the category of corruption, specifically acting as intermediaries to solicit money and then paying it to government officials.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat also confirmed that the prosecution is not related to political persecution or discrediting any political party, as the victims themselves filed complaints with the police. The Central Investigation Bureau works fairly and impartially, without discrimination against any individual or political party.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat stated that this case is only a small part of the main investigation file from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the agency that initiated the investigation into the corruption allegations. He requested assistance from the Anti-Corruption Division of the Royal Thai Police to conduct searches and investigations. The Central Investigation Bureau will proceed with legal action against those involved based on the evidence. He believes that once the NACC completes its main investigation, it will be able to expand the investigation to include more individuals at a higher level.
Reporters have received inside information from reliable sources indicating that the 57 people in Mr. Prawit's circle all altered their exam scores. This group is also the same group of over 5,900 people linked to cheating on the local government exams.
Furthermore, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat also spoke openly to the media regarding the appointment and transfer of police officers, and rumors of his transfer to other positions, stating that the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has a high-quality operational system and organization that is not dependent on individuals. Therefore, regardless of who is in charge, the work can continue smoothly and to standard.
When asked by reporters about his feelings if the appointment results did not meet his expectations, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat said he would not feel disappointed or resentful in any way. He considered the fact that his superiors and the screening committee had considered promoting him to a higher position as a reward and a source of pride, even though he had less seniority than others. He believed that his superiors had recognized his past work and dedication.
Regarding the analysis that he might be transferred to a position without direct subordinates to assist him, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat affirmed that the Royal Thai Police is a large organization responsible for serving citizens nationwide, and that he would be satisfied as long as he could benefit the public regardless of his position.
'Don't be disheartened by your fate. Focus on your work; you can work anywhere,' Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat concluded, adding that overall, this year for the Royal Thai Police is a positive sign as it provides more opportunities for dedicated police officers to be considered for promotion.