Government Initiates Strict Measures to Combat Corruption in Civil Service Exams

Bangkok: The government has taken decisive steps to address corruption in civil service exams, declaring that any cheating will lead to immediate dismissal. A nationwide blacklist will be established, with plans to transition the civil service exam (Part A) to an e-Exam format, and legislation will be introduced to prosecute those involved in fraudulent activities. According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the government is enhancing measures to prevent and suppress corruption in civil service entrance exams to ensure a consistent standard across the system. This decision follows findings by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) of 114 fraud cases in the civil service entrance examination (Part A) since 2016, particularly involving identity theft. The CSC has proposed several measures to the Cabinet, including setting disciplinary standards and creating a central database of individuals who have previously cheated, to close loop holes and prevent corrupt individuals from re-entering the civil service. Ms. Lalida emphasized that corruption will be classified as a serious disciplinary offense, leading to immediate dismissal. If corruption is detected before appointment, the appointing authority must also dismiss the individual promptly. Central personnel management organizations will compile lists of individuals who have committed fraud and submit these to the CSC for inclusion in a central database. This will enable government agencies to verify disqualifying characteristics before accepting individuals into the civil service. The CSC has identified those who cheat in the written examination (Part A) as having disqualifying characteristics for government service, with the authority to revoke their passing certificates. As of July 22, 2026, 24 individuals have been designated with disqualifying characteristics. Ms. Lalida outlined plans to reform the examination system in three phases: short-term measures to establish clear guideli nes, medium-term plans to transition to a single e-exam format, and long-term legislation to establish strict criminal penalties for all involved in corruption. In the long term, the government aims to amend the law to recover salaries and benefits from those who cheated and were subsequently appointed, as current laws only stipulate dismissal without affecting prior benefits. "The government is committed to closing loopholes to prevent exam cheaters from entering the civil service system, with clear penalties and a central database for verification," Ms. Lalida stated. The deputy spokesperson added that improvements have been made to the Part A examination process, including applicant photo verification and printing photos on answer sheets to prevent identity theft. The Commission will also file criminal charges against cheaters and gather evidence for disciplinary action. These measures aim to establish uniform standards for punishing corruption, prevent offender rotation among agencies, and enhance the credibility of the civil service entrance examination system by making it more transparent, fair, and verifiable.