Exam Cheating Scandal: Mastermind Identified in Local Government Recruitment

Introduction to the alleged cheating in the Department of Local Administration's exam, with some individuals admitting to paying bribes for recruitment.

Police raid a house in Nonthaburi linked to the exam cheating ring, with ongoing investigations to identify the main perpetrators.

The alleged financial scale of the operation is estimated at 4.5 billion baht, with the former Director-General of the Department of Local Administration already removed.

Concerns are raised about the security of answer sheet files stored on USB drives and the potential for data breaches.

A deputy director states that critical data files should not have leaked from their secure storage.

The Department of Local Administration files a formal complaint against individuals involved in exam score manipulation.

The charges include opening sealed letters or documents belonging to others, causing damage to the government.

The investigation covers two groups: those who believe they were unfairly disqualified despite good scores, and those who paid bribes but were not recruited.

Over 400,000 people applied for 6,669 positions in local government recruitment nationwide.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to reach the root of the operation, with approximately 2,000 cases already processed.

The investigation identifies 'Phichit' as a key figure who allegedly transferred funds to a government official to manage the exam score alteration process.

The cheating method involved copying original answer sheets, comparing them with answer keys, and using red pens to mark correct answers for alteration.

Altered answers were then modified in computer files to meet passing score requirements before being re-scanned into the system.

Another key individual, still at large, is believed to have collected scores from paying candidates and transferred them to the Nonthaburi operation.

Original exam answer sheets are reportedly stored in a warehouse for two years before destruction, raising concerns about traceability.

The two-year retention policy creates a loophole, preventing retrospective checks on older exam records.

There are calls to investigate previous years, as the current cheating operation is suspected to have been ongoing for more than two years.

The Central Investigation Bureau is preparing charges of conspiracy and operating a criminal organization against those involved.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) will handle cases involving government officials, with the possibility of delegating authority to the Central Investigation Bureau.

Deputy Director Thanon provides an update on the investigation, emphasizing the speed and thoroughness of the ongoing inquiry.

A committee has been formed to investigate the facts, with full cooperation from the police.

After grading, the university (MSU) is responsible for providing answer sheet files to the Department of Local Administration (DOLA), with copies kept by both institutions.

The exact source of the data leak remains unknown, despite initial assurances that it did not originate from DOLA.

MSU previously stated they had sent all files to DOLA after grading, leading to confusion about where the primary data resided.

DOLA confirms that data files are stored in two locations: one set with MSU and another with DOLA.

DOLA stores 20 flash drives containing answer sheet files from 10 exams in a safe in the Director-General's office.

News teams attempted to inspect the safe, but officials intervened, allowing only external filming.

The key to the safe is held exclusively by Director Panomthian, who does not have access to the Director-General's office.

The Director-General has access to their office but not the safe, raising questions about access control.

The safe was reportedly opened only twice: once after the exam results announcement and once for a random inspection.

Officials confirm that the flash drives have not been given to anyone and remain secure.

Director Panomthian explains the dual storage of exam files and expresses confidence in the investigation.

The investigation will focus on identifying the leak's origin, with both DOLA and MSU considered potential points of compromise.

Questions arise about how the safe could be accessed with only a key, suggesting a potential need for a code.

An internal audit team inspected the safe and confirmed that all 20 flash drives are present and accounted for.

The flash drives were examined using computers, and lists of names were cross-referenced.

Director Panomthian reiterates that the files have never been shared and were securely stored.

Reporters briefly interacted with Director Panomthian outside the office.

Bunee, a high-ranking official at DOLA, is identified as having saved exam answer sheets, prompting further investigation.

Bunee appeared stressed during questioning about her involvement in saving the answer sheets.

Reports suggest Bunee claims someone else used her name to save the files.

The Strong Thailand Anti-Corruption Club posts an infographic analyzing evidence, suggesting manipulation occurred at the source.

Digital forensic evidence from metadata indicates that the PDF files were created sequentially and were not altered after export.

The group highlights that all digital files originated from the same source, created by the same user and program.

If the PDF files were not altered, it implies that any manipulation occurred in the original Excel files before conversion.

The group suggests the cheating team knew the exact number of candidates and scores after the PDF results were finalized, implying post-announcement alterations.

While safes may hide physical evidence, digital timestamps and traces provide an irrefutable record.

The group urges police and relevant agencies to seize and thoroughly investigate the source computers.

A reminder about the upcoming Bangkok Governor and Pattaya City elections.