Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has challenged anyone with evidence implicating government members in the local government recruitment examination fraud scheme to submit it to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), insisting that anyone found guilty will face action regardless of rank.
Mr Anutin, who is also interior minister, dismissed reports that a serving cabinet minister may be involved, saying allegations based on rumours could not be addressed without verifiable evidence.
“If they are involved, everyone will be dealt with. Submit as much evidence as possible,” he said, urging anyone with information to take it directly to the NACC.
Mr Anutin said the anti-graft agency was investigating the case and submitting evidence directly to it would help ensure the inquiry remained free from political influence.
Anyone who believed corruption had occurred at any level should provide evidence for investigators to examine, he said.
The government has also ordered a serious disciplinary investigation and transferred officials suspected of involvement or conflicts of interest from positions that would allow them to oversee affairs within the Department of Local Administration.
Mr Anutin said complaints could also be lodged with the Interior Ministry’s Damrongtham Centre or the government complaint centre, but urged those with evidence to approach the NACC directly because it has the authority to investigate corruption cases.
His remarks came amid reports that a suspect arrested in connection with the alleged examination fraud had implicated a serving minister.
However, a source on the Anti-Corruption Division’s investigation team said investigators had found no evidence linking any current cabinet minister to the alleged network.
The allegation emerged during questioning of Prawit Jaruratchakul, also known as “Mayor Heng”, a former president of the Samrong Tambon Administrative Organisation and former Pheu Thai Party candidate in Si Sa Ket.
Mr Prawit was arrested over allegations that money was collected from applicants seeking local government jobs. He was granted bail on Aug 26.
Investigators launched a fact-finding inquiry after hearing claims that a serving minister was behind the network but found no evidence to substantiate them.
The claims were described as vague and based on hearsay.
Mr Prawit has sought to provide investigators with evidence concerning two Department of Special Investigation officials and their alleged links to suspects in the case.
A source close to him claimed the material could point to a senior figure behind the network, allegedly a serving minister.
Mr Prawit was arrested after a complainant alleged that 650,000 baht had been paid to secure a local government position. However, the complainant did not get the job and the money was not refunded.