Bangkok: The Deputy Minister of Interior has addressed concerns regarding the handling of 5,925 cases of detected irregularities in civil service and local government employee recruitment exams, emphasizing that the central government is investigating the issue and not merely shifting responsibility to local administrative organizations.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Worasit Liengprasit, the Deputy Minister of Interior, clarified that sending the names of individuals with irregularities to local administrative organizations for processing is not a case of "passing the buck." He emphasized that the central government is responsible for verifying information and setting guidelines, while local administrative organizations are tasked with acting within their authority once they receive clear instructions.
Mr. Worasit explained that the process involves distinguishing between detecting irregularities and taking action on personal status, with different agencies responsible for each step. He assured that the list of 5,925 names sent to local authorities is not about determining fault but ensuring that the central government provides verified information and guidelines for local bodies to act upon.
The Deputy Minister further detailed that the irregularities were first identified during the competitive examination process, and upon discovery, the matter was reviewed by a relevant committee before guidelines were established. The information was then sent to the appropriate agencies. He stressed the importance of correcting any problems discovered with exam scores according to procedures, not emotionally or by placing undue responsibility on any individual agency.
Mr. Worasit also addressed the need for simultaneous actions on multiple fronts, such as correcting the list of successful candidates and handling already appointed individuals, while ensuring that investigations are conducted by relevant authorities. He clarified that being on the list does not automatically imply criminal activity or fraud; investigations will determine any criminal liability.
The Deputy Minister highlighted the need for legal correction of any appointments made based on problematic scores, emphasizing that errors or fraud must not confer permanent privileges within the civil service system. He stated that those who obtained their positions honestly must not be victimized by others' corruption, and clear guidelines must be adhered to by officials acting on orders.
Mr. Worasit reiterated that local administrative organizations do not verify or determine irregularities in exam scores. Once information and guidelines are received from the central government, relevant agencies are responsible for personnel matters within their legal authority. He emphasized that responsibility should be shared across all levels, with the central government providing information and guidelines, committee members handling resolutions and processes, and parent agencies acting within their authority.
The Deputy Minister also announced that the Ministry of Interior is assisting honest candidates affected by the new candidate list by allowing them to request a review of their scores. This initiative aims to restore justice to those who took the exam honestly and ensure transparency in the recruitment process.
Mr. Worasit concluded by stating that the goal is not just to remove individuals from the system but to restore accuracy, transparency, and accountability in the recruitment process, while prosecuting those involved in corruption. He assured that the Ministry of Interior will not protect wrongdoers nor harm honest individuals and will follow the process through with accuracy and fairness.