Probe into Local Official Bribery Scandal Intensifies

Focus shifts to Phuket's Deputy Governor, Rungrueng Babutr, who is accused of accepting bribes to facilitate local government exam placements.

Two orders are issued: one suspending the deputy governor and another establishing a committee to investigate serious disciplinary misconduct.

Questions arise about the speed of the investigation into Deputy Governor Rungrueng compared to the initial exam manipulation case in Nonthaburi.

Police Major General Jarun Kiat Pan Kaew personally interviews Deputy Governor Rungrueng, emphasizing the seriousness of the case.

Deputy Governor Rungrueng is granted bail by the Songkhla Provincial Court, using his position as surety.

Deputy Minister of Interior, Pol. Lt. Gen. Phiphat Suwanachawi, comments on the case, attributing delays to the deputy governor's leave.

Discussion on the initial investigation into exam score manipulation, questioning the lack of progress and transparency.

An anonymous source from the Department of Local Administration points out the lack of follow-up on the Nonthaburi arrests and missing information.

Conflicting reports between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the Department of Local Administration regarding exam data.

Speculation arises about political motives behind the investigation and the transfer of Department of Local Administration Director-General Theerut Supawiboonpol.

Concerns are raised about the authenticity of an audio clip implicating the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, suggesting potential AI manipulation.

Emphasis on the need to investigate the initial arrests in Nonthaburi, suggesting subsequent events are distractions.

Two critical areas for investigation are highlighted: expanding the Nonthaburi case to identify masterminds and tracing the money trail.

The investigation into Phuket's alleged corruption, including the new governor's arrival and ongoing search for 'mafias'.

A timeline of the recruitment and bidding process for the local government exams is presented, highlighting key periods and involved officials.

Identification of political figures who oversaw the Department of Local Administration during the relevant periods.

Statements from former and current officials regarding their involvement and knowledge of the procurement process.

The ongoing issues of local government exam corruption and Phuket's land encroachment cases are discussed.

The House of Representatives' committee on corruption prevention visits Phuket to investigate land encroachment and illegal toll collection.

Worries are expressed about potential negative impacts of a proposed Special Economic Zone (SEC) in the South, favoring foreign investors.

A protest by the 'Save Southern Land Network' at the Government House against the SEC bill and the 'Land Bridge' project.

Protesters voice concerns about foreign ownership of land and the conversion of agricultural land for industrial use under the SEC law.

A representative of local fishermen resigns from a feasibility study committee, citing a lack of public consultation.

Protesters engage in civil disobedience by blocking the entrance to Government House to demand the government halt the 'Land Bridge' and SEC projects.

A 90-day committee has concluded its findings, with a report expected to be presented to the cabinet in August, coinciding with the SEC bill's parliamentary review.

Only a local MP has engaged with the protesters, highlighting the need for executive branch representation.

More participants from 14 southern provinces are expected to join the protest.

The Prime Minister orders the establishment of a central channel for receiving complaints from victims of local government exam fraud.

The complaint center will be managed by the Office of the Permanent Secretary, aiming to facilitate assistance to victims.

Questions remain about whether the current investigation is sufficiently comprehensive to uncover the full extent of the corruption.