Exam fraud file 'met NACC deadline', police chief says

Police chief Pol Gen Samran Nualma confirmed that the police submitted their investigation file on fraud in local government recruitment examinations to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) within the two-month deadline, as per official reports. This occurred on schedule, despite the NACC failing to complete its investigation before the 84-day detention period expired, leading to the release of three suspects three days ago.

The Crime Suppression Division had collected evidence and prepared the preliminary case file, which was promptly handed over to the NACC within the stipulated timeframe, according to Pol Gen Samran. The police chief declined to disclose whether the evidence was strong enough for prosecution, stating that the matter was now being managed by an NACC inquiry panel. He affirmed that the police remained committed to pursuing the suspects if arrest warrants were issued.

Concerns have been raised about the delays in dealing with the broader examination fraud investigation, which includes over 6,000 accused individuals. The NACC reported that the police had utilized four out of the seven permitted detention periods before passing the case to the commission. Consequently, the commission only has three more detention periods available to finalize its inquiry, which proved insufficient.

The NACC chairman, Arsphol Suntraiphop, acknowledged the challenge in preventing the released suspects from fleeing the country. He mentioned that extradition proceedings would be initiated if the suspects attempted to escape abroad. Arsphol Suntraiphop also informed the House committee on corruption prevention and suppression that the NACC plans to inform more than 6,000 accused persons of the allegations by late November, a delay from the original deadline of late October. This development was prompted by the emergence of additional suspects.

The commission has established seven inquiry teams and questioned over 1,000 individuals. Investigations have focused on 44 of the 110 suspected intermediary networks, resulting in the identification of 51 secondary intermediaries who allegedly received and forwarded money. Arsphol Suntraiphop emphasized the committee's commitment to consistent legal action throughout the nation to deter future involvement in similar offenses during recruitment examinations.