Department of Provincial Administration Addresses 2023 District Chief Exam Concerns

On August 21, 2026, the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) issued a formal statement addressing concerns raised by the House Committee on Political Development, Mass Communications, and Public Participation regarding the 2023 district chief selection examination. The committee had received complaints concerning potential irregularities, including reports of incorrect printing dates on answer sheets.

DOPA clarified that the selection process for the 2023 district chief training program took place between February and April 2023. The department maintains that the examination was conducted in accordance with established legal procedures, criteria, and methods. Furthermore, DOPA stated that relevant authorities have already investigated the matter and communicated the findings to the complainants. The department emphasized that the current leadership of the Ministry of Interior was not in office during the period when these examinations were held.

For residents and expatriates, this clarification highlights the ongoing oversight of civil service recruitment processes in Thailand. While the department asserts that the process followed legal standards, the situation remains a point of parliamentary scrutiny. Those who believe they were treated unfairly during the 2023 process are advised to pursue legal remedies through official channels. As of now, the department considers the matter addressed, though further parliamentary review may continue depending on the committee's assessment of the provided explanations.