As reported earlier by the “Buriram times” it appears that there has been some underhanded methods going on with the recruitment of Police Officers. A 400,000 baht; back hander gets you enrolled on to the force regardless of your integrity.
It has been revealed that a man at the centre of cheating in police exams took up to 400,000 baht a head to help people con their way into the Thai Metropolitan Police.
Jeeraphot Plaiduang, a 45 year old male, who is a municipal official in Pathumwan district of Bangkok, arrived with his lawyer to give himself up to Pahonyothin police who are investigating the scandal.
On hand to interview Jeeraphot were Metropolitan Chief Sanit Mahathavorn and another high ranking officer, Adul Narongsak.
Jeeraphot admitted that he had connived online to organize seating so that all the candidates who were to cheat were sitting together. He said he had told hopeful candidates that he was a public official with connections in the force’s education department. He said he knew lots of people such as advisors who were close to the setting of the exams.
He said at the interview that he had acted alone. The top brass of the investigation team are suggesting this may be just cover for protecting others involved in the case.
Jeeraphot said that he took between 300,000 and 400,000 baht from each person cheating to enter the force.
He has been charged with racketeering, computer crime and deception.
Chief Sanit said that the suspect would be interviewed again to see if he was connected not just with the cheating in the Metropolitan Police exams but those involving other officials in Region 7 of the department as well.
Sanit said he believes that many others are involved in the scandal. Twelve suspects who are believed to be involved in taking bribes have so far been interviewed and 50 candidates who took the exam have been questioned so far.
Earlier in the week it was suggested that more than 400 people had either cheated or connived to help cheating in the exams.
Source: Sanook,
Additional: National Press Thailand and Koh Samui Times