OCSC tightens grip on exam cheating problem
His remarks come in response to recent allegations of a sophisticated cheating ring, exposed by the Facebook page Thammasat Exam Center.
The page revealed the existence of modern cheating networks that use advanced tools -- such as credit card-sized devices embedded with SIM cards paired with bean-sized wireless earpieces -- to evade scanners. These networks also hire individuals to collect and relay exam information from outside the halls.
Speaking to the Bangkok Post, Mr Kitipong outlined the OCSC's multi-layered security protocols, aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the selection process for roughly 400,000 civil service positions under its jurisdiction.
He said the recruitment process comprises three stages: a general aptitude test (Part A), which is directly overseen by the OCSC and taken by 500,000–600,000 candidates annually; a specific knowledge test (Part B); and a job suitability test (Part C). Parts B and C are administered independently by individual government agencies.
For Part A, the OCSC employs multiple standardised test sets, making in-room copying extremely difficult. Answer sheets also have varied layouts to further deter cheating. Even the question writers do not know which set will be used, as the final selection is drawn by lottery just before the exam.
On exam day, papers are transported under tight security to locked examination rooms monitored by CCTV. A management committee oversees every step under a system of checks and balances, ensuring that no single individual has full oversight of the process. "I myself have never seen the exam questions; my duty is merely to draw lots," Mr Kitipong said.
Deterring fraud, upholding integrity
Mr Kitipong said the grading process for Part A is fully automated, relying on machines and computerised systems to eliminate human error or bias.
Candidates must pass all three subjects in the Part A exam -- general knowledge and aptitude, English language and civil service ethics -- in order to advance. Those who pass retain their scores indefinitely, allowing them to apply for open positions at any time.
He said penetrating the OCSC's system is difficult. However, persistent efforts by organised groups using high-tech tools remain a concern.
All exam centres are equipped with metal detectors. After each exam, papers are collected and destroyed under strict supervision by both hired companies and OCSC officials.
Mr Kitipong denied claims of "leaked OCSC exam papers" from previous years. While some individuals may memorise questions, the physical papers are never leaked -- they are securely destroyed after every session.
The OCSC also reduces repeat attempts by barring individuals who have already passed the general knowledge exam from retaking it, forcing cheating networks to constantly find new participants.
He acknowledged the possibility of insider involvement and said the OCSC is working to implement internal disciplinary measures for such cases. The Civil Service Act, he said, already requires the immediate disqualification of anyone convicted of exam fraud. However, legal appeals are allowed, which means prosecutors must have robust evidence such as CCTV footage and signed documents.
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Bangkok Post
11 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
OCSC tightens grip on exam cheating problem
The Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) has reaffirmed its confidence in rigorous anti-cheating measures for civil service entrance examinations, says Deputy Secretary-General Kitipong Maharatthanawong. His remarks come in response to recent allegations of a sophisticated cheating ring, exposed by the Facebook page Thammasat Exam Center. The page revealed the existence of modern cheating networks that use advanced tools -- such as credit card-sized devices embedded with SIM cards paired with bean-sized wireless earpieces -- to evade scanners. These networks also hire individuals to collect and relay exam information from outside the halls. Speaking to the Bangkok Post, Mr Kitipong outlined the OCSC's multi-layered security protocols, aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the selection process for roughly 400,000 civil service positions under its jurisdiction. He said the recruitment process comprises three stages: a general aptitude test (Part A), which is directly overseen by the OCSC and taken by 500,000–600,000 candidates annually; a specific knowledge test (Part B); and a job suitability test (Part C). Parts B and C are administered independently by individual government agencies. For Part A, the OCSC employs multiple standardised test sets, making in-room copying extremely difficult. Answer sheets also have varied layouts to further deter cheating. Even the question writers do not know which set will be used, as the final selection is drawn by lottery just before the exam. On exam day, papers are transported under tight security to locked examination rooms monitored by CCTV. A management committee oversees every step under a system of checks and balances, ensuring that no single individual has full oversight of the process. "I myself have never seen the exam questions; my duty is merely to draw lots," Mr Kitipong said. Deterring fraud, upholding integrity Mr Kitipong said the grading process for Part A is fully automated, relying on machines and computerised systems to eliminate human error or bias. Candidates must pass all three subjects in the Part A exam -- general knowledge and aptitude, English language and civil service ethics -- in order to advance. Those who pass retain their scores indefinitely, allowing them to apply for open positions at any time. He said penetrating the OCSC's system is difficult. However, persistent efforts by organised groups using high-tech tools remain a concern. All exam centres are equipped with metal detectors. After each exam, papers are collected and destroyed under strict supervision by both hired companies and OCSC officials. Mr Kitipong denied claims of "leaked OCSC exam papers" from previous years. While some individuals may memorise questions, the physical papers are never leaked -- they are securely destroyed after every session. The OCSC also reduces repeat attempts by barring individuals who have already passed the general knowledge exam from retaking it, forcing cheating networks to constantly find new participants. He acknowledged the possibility of insider involvement and said the OCSC is working to implement internal disciplinary measures for such cases. The Civil Service Act, he said, already requires the immediate disqualification of anyone convicted of exam fraud. However, legal appeals are allowed, which means prosecutors must have robust evidence such as CCTV footage and signed documents.
Bangkok Post
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- Bangkok Post
Street fighter unbowed; scold meets match; clean kill
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Before leaving the scene of the clash, an unchastened Earth said he would see Peerapat again, an implicit threat to finish off the fight. Later he contacted Peerapat online after the clip went viral. Earth suggested they meet "man to man" for another round -- but this time said he should keep the media out of it. "Let's not get the police involved. Man to man -- you and me, one more round. Just give me a bit of time. If I had hit your girlfriend that day, you'd have felt it," Earth said. Peerapat responded: "He still hasn't learned his lesson -- wants another round. I already let him go the first time." Peerapat, whose boxing trainer describes as a quiet, sensitive type, nonetheless has his limits. Laying a complaint at Sai Mai station, he let reporters photograph him in boxer's fighting mode, wearing a smart pair of black wraparound shades. He said he wrestled with the decision to respond to Earth's provocation. "I'm a very calm person. I never go looking for trouble. But when someone gets cocky and starts yelling at me, why should I just back down?" Peerapat said. "Everyone taught me not to let people walk over me. I tried talking to him nicely, but he wouldn't listen. I told him to leave, and he wouldn't. I could have hit him first, but that wouldn't be fair since I'm a trained boxer. "So I let him take the first swing -- but I blocked it. What happened after that is in the clip. He talked big, now let me have my say." He had no intention of using his Muay Thai skills to hurt anyone, as that goes against the sport's ethical code. The row started after he was signalling to turn into a parking area outside the store, which is by Wat Ko Suwannaram School. Earth approached at speed from behind on his own motorcycle, without headlights on, and nearly crashed into him. He got off his bike and started shouting at Peerapat. Both men exchanged heated words, as captured in the clip. Earth shoved Peerapat in the chest and repeatedly shouted, "Where do you live?" Earth then threw a punch, which the boxer countered with a quick, well-executed flurry of blows that sent Earth sprawling to the pavement. Despite the rematch request, Peerapat went to police, saying he is worried Earth will seek a reprisal, perhaps in the dead of night. Reporters spoke to Earth's neighbours and learnt he was fired a couple of weeks ago from a car repair yard. His boss said he wasn't good at his job as a motor repairman, and often turned up late. He also had a temper problem, and tools from the workshop had gone missing, which he blamed on Earth. Earth's father, meanwhile, said he had entered monkhood to make merit once in the hope his son would turn over a new leaf, but was unsuccessful. He had severed ties with his son, news reports said. Earth has mild psychiatric issues and drinks kratom juice regularly, his Dad added. The drama continues. 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She abused women who passed by the front of her house, even those who had never met her husband, they said. Namwan said Peng moved in recently and had been verbally abusing her friend for over a month. The encounters took a more sinister turn when Peng left the hand-written note threatening to douse Som in gasoline and set her on fire. "I initially approached her to to talk peacefully, but she responded with insults, so I lost my temper and yelled back," she told reporters. Peng proved no match for the feisty Namwan, telling her meekly to mind her own business. Namwan replied with the cutting line: "I'd love to know just how handsome your husband is to justify you messing around with my friend so much." Peng admitted her husband, who was not seen in the clip, was not the handsome type -- adding that was just as well. Namwan believes the problem started when Som came home from work one evening, the same time as Peng's husband happened to ride up on his motorbike. 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Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Bangkok Post
Japan temple's foreigner-only entrance fees spark debate, criticism
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