Law
Phichit Province Dismisses 55 Local Officials Over Exam Fraud
Phichit province has officially terminated 55 local government employees following an investigation into examination irregularities.
On September 10, 2026, Phichit Governor Thaniya Naipinit announced the dismissal of 55 local government officials due to confirmed fraud in local recruitment examinations. According to Khaosod Online Thailand, the decision follows a directive from the Ministry of Interior and a review of examination scores provided by central authorities. The terminated individuals include 7 employees from the Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO), 17 from municipalities, and 31 from Sub-district Administrative Organizations (SAO).
The dismissals were finalized on August 31, 2026, after provincial committees completed their review of the evidence. For residents and expatriates living in Phichit, this development highlights ongoing efforts by the Thai government to ensure integrity within local administrative bodies. While the immediate staffing changes have been enacted, the situation remains fluid regarding financial implications. Governor Thaniya noted that the question of whether the dismissed individuals will be required to return salaries or benefits received during their tenure remains unresolved. The province is currently awaiting further guidance from central government agencies and a formal ruling from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to determine the next steps regarding potential financial restitution. Further updates are expected as the investigation into the broader scope of the exam irregularities continues at the national level.
