Law
Department of Provincial Administration Denies Bribery Allegations in 2025 District Chief Exam
Thailand's Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) has officially denied claims that officials solicited 3 million baht bribes during the 2025 district chief training selection process.
On September 4, 2026, the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) issued a formal statement addressing allegations circulating on social media regarding the 2025 district chief training selection process. Reports had claimed that officials were soliciting bribes of 3 million baht per candidate to secure spots in the program.
DOPA stated that the selection process, which took place between February and April 2025, was conducted in strict accordance with legal regulations, emphasizing principles of transparency and fairness. According to the department’s preliminary internal investigation, there is currently no evidence to suggest that any staff members or individuals involved in the examination process engaged in bribery or illicit solicitation of funds.
For residents and expatriates, this matter highlights the ongoing scrutiny of administrative integrity within Thai government institutions. While the department maintains that the process was clean, the issue remains under investigation by relevant authorities. DOPA has confirmed that it is cooperating fully with these external inquiries and has submitted all necessary documentation and evidence to support its position. As the investigation is ongoing, the final outcome regarding these allegations has yet to be confirmed. The department expressed its commitment to maintaining public trust through accountability.