Nakhon Ratchasima and Phang Nga saw overwhelming numbers of applicants vying for available positions, at 14,655 applicants for 374 positions and 2,966 applicants for 66 positions respectively.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, 16 exam sites were set up at schools and colleges in Muang district for the Saturday and Sunday written exams, and Monday’s interview.

The results will be announced next Friday, said Nakhon Ratchasima Primary Educational Service Area Office 1 director Paisal Wutthilanont in his capacity as acting provincial education chief.

As part of the anti-cheating measures, a metal-detecting device from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal police was temporarily installed at Suranaree Wittaya School to help screen more than 700 candidates.

The applicants were also required to not bring any bags, electronic devices or paper to the exam rooms.

Officials Saturday morning had to lend prepared T-shirts and pants for easy body searching to 10 applicants who showed up wearing other kinds of clothing, while several others failed to present an ID card and weren’t allowed to take the tests.

In the South, Phang Nga prepared six exam sites which also applied strict anti-cheating measures at various schools.

Phang Nga Primary Educational Service Area Office chief Somrak Thawai said that although there a lot more applicants than any previous teacher assistant recruitment exams, the officials were confident in the anti-cheating measures.