THE FORENSIC ACCOUNTING PROFESSION: The curriculum and career development aspects

Main Article Content

Thanyathorn Sornrachoti
Nontawan Yomchinda, PhD, CPA
Pailin Trongmateerut, PhD
Lapinee Kosonboon, PhD, CPA

Abstract

The development of forensic accounting knowledge and professional pathways in Thailand continues to face several challenges due to various limitations such as a shortage of personnel with specialized skills or the misperception that the role of forensic accountants is overlapping with that of auditors and internal controllers. Consequently, the demand for experts in this area remains lower than expected. Using qualitative research methods to capture comprehensive insights from both theoretical and practical perspectives, this study aims to explore and gather information to propose strategies for strengthening the forensic accounting profession in Thailand. This would enhance organizations’ ability to prevent and investigate fraud more effectively in the future. The findings reveal an urgent need to develop clear professional standards and accreditation systems for forensic accounting in Thailand to address the growing complexity of fraud. One recommended approach is to foster collaboration between academic and professional sectors to establish specialized postgraduate programs which cover core knowledge areas in accounting, auditing, business law, psychology, communication and information technology related to forensic investigations. Broadening the educational pipeline and enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration are key to build a robust forensic accounting profession in Thailand.

Article Details

Section
ResearchArticles
Author Biographies

Thanyathorn Sornrachoti

Tax consultant

Baker Tilly Tax (Thailand) Company Limited

Nontawan Yomchinda, PhD, CPA

Assistant Professor, Department of Accounting

Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, Thammasat University

Pailin Trongmateerut, PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Accounting

Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, Thammasat University

Lapinee Kosonboon, PhD, CPA, -

ผู้ช่วยศาสตราจารย์ประจำภาควิชาการบัญชี

คณะพาณิชยศาสตร์และการบัญชี มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์

 

References

AICPA & CIMA. (2016). Forensic Accounting – Combining the Skills of Auditors and Investigators to Combat Financial Fraud. Durham, NC: AICPA & CIMA.

Alan, S., Amr, K., & Sarah, H. (2017). Mapping forensic accounting in the UK. Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, 28, 43–56.

Albrecht, W. S., Albrecht, C. C., & Albrecht, C. O. (2006). Fraud Examination. Mason, OH: Thomson Southwestern.

AlShurafat, H., Al Shbail, M. O., & Mansour, E. (2021). Strengths and weaknesses of forensic accounting: An implication on the socio-economic development. Journal of Business and Socio-Economic Development, 1(2), 135–148.

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). (2020). Occupational Fraud 2020: A Report to the Nations (Report). Austin, TX: ACFE. Retrieved from https://acfepublic.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/2020-Report-to-the-Nations.pdf

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). (2022). Occupational Fraud 2022: A Report to the Nations (Report). Austin, TX: ACFE. Retrieved from https://acfepublic.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/2022+Report+to+the+Nations.pdf

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). (2024). Occupational Fraud 2024: A Report to the Nations (Report). Austin, TX: ACFE. Retrieved from https://www.acfe.com/-/media/files/acfe/pdfs/rttn/2024/2024-report-to-the-nations.pdf

Bhasin, M. L. (2016a). Forensic accounting in Asia: Perspectives and prospects. International Journal of Management and Social Sciences Research, 5(7), 25–38.

Bhasin, M. L. (2016b). Contribution of Forensic Accounting to Corporate Governance: An Exploratory Study of an Asian Economy. International Business Management, 10(4), 479–492.

Bologna, G. J., Lindquist, R. J., & Wells, J. T. (2014). Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation for Non-Experts (3rd ed.). Wiley.

Bulakul, C. (2019). Key fundamental skills for the forensic accounting profession: Perspectives from licensed investigative specialists [Unpublished master’s independent study]. Thammasat University. [in Thai]

Chiang Mai University. (2023). Accounting curriculum (Full version) [Online document]. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://www.cmubs.cmu.ac.th/.../หลักสูตร-ACC-ฉบับเต็ม-.pdf [in Thai]

Choyputsa, S. (2017). Impact of characteristics of certified public accountants on readiness to engage in forensic accounting in Thailand [Unpublished master’s independent study]. Thammasat University. [in Thai]

Chulalongkorn University. (2021). Undergraduate study handbook, Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy [Brochure]. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://acdm.cbs.chula.ac.th/.../คู่มือการศึกษา-2564-Final.pdf [in Thai]

Cressey, D. R. (1953). Other people's money: A study in the social psychology of embezzlement. Glencoe, IL: Free Press.

Crumbley, D. L. (2009). So what is forensic accounting? The ABO Reporter, Fall, 10–15.

Elliott, R. K., & Willingham, J. J. (2003). Handbook of Fraud: Preventing and Detecting Fraud. New York: Academic Press.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. (2024). Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination – Bachelor’s Degree [Webpage]. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://erau.edu/degrees/bachelor/forensic-accounting-fraud-examination

Federation of Accounting Professions (FAP). (2022). Forensic Accounting Certificate program [Announcement]. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://www.tfac.or.th/.../โครงการวุฒิบัตรนักบัญชีนิติวิทยา [in Thai]

Florida Atlantic University. (2024). Forensic Accounting – Master of Accounting (Concentration) [Webpage]. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://business.fau.edu/.../forensic-accounting/

Guellim, N., Yami, N., Freihat, A. F., Alshurafat, H., Alkababji, M. W., Alzahrane, M., Gad, W. N., Shaaban, M. S. I., & Mostafa, R. M. A. (2024). Evaluating the perceived value of forensic accounting: A systematic review method. Discover Sustainability, 5, Article 351.

Huber, D. W., Comer, M. J., & Quenzer, D. (2018). Forensic accountants’ role in accounting for corruption. Journal of Forensic and Investigative Accounting, 10(3), 296–310.

Huber, W., & DiGabriele, J. (2018). Forensic Accounting Research: Fundamentals and Methodology. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

International Affairs Office, State Audit Office of the Kingdom of Thailand. (2024). Supreme Audit Institution Body of Knowledge: Forensic Audit in Overseas Supreme Audit Institution [Webpage]. Retreived July 14, 2025, https://www.audit.go.th/sites/default/files/files/article/องค์ความรู้ด้านการตรวจเงินแผ่นดินต่างประเทศ%20การตรวจสอบเชิงบัญชีนิติวิทยา.pdf [in Thai]

Ismail, A. M., Azizan, F. A., & Fahmi, F. M. (2019). Forensic accountant skills: An empirical investigation in the Malaysian forensic accounting education curriculum. The Journal of Social Sciences Research, Special Issue 1, 150–158.

Kasetsart University. (2021). Curriculum information [Webpage]. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://regis.src.ku.ac.th/.../add_curriculum.aspx?nn=...&yy=2564 [in Thai]

LeVie Jr., D. (2013). The role of professional credentials in the job market. Fraud Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.fraud-magazine.com/article.aspx?id=4294976296

Mae Fah Luang University. (2022). Course information [Webpage]. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://reg2.mfu.ac.th/registrar/class_info_2.asp?. [in Thai]

Ozili, P. K. (2023). Forensic accounting research around the world. Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting. Advance online publication. Retrieved from https://ssrn.com/abstract=4566896

Pittsburg State University. (2024). Accounting Program – Fraud Examination Minor [Webpage]. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://www.pittstate.edu/business/programs/accounting/index.html

PricewaterhouseCoopers Thailand. (2022). Global Economic Crime and Fraud Survey 2022: Thailand Report. Bangkok: PwC. Retrieved from https://www.pwc.com/th/en/consulting/forensic/economic-crime-and-fraud-survey-2022-th.html

Puranaphan, I., & Chitsawang, S. (2020). Forensic accounting: The profession enhancement in Thailand. Journal of Federation of Accounting Professions. May-Aug 2020, 2 (volume 5), 98-117.Retrieved from https://so02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/JFAC/article/view/242719.[in Thai]

Ramaswamy, V. (2005). Corporate governance and the forensic accountant. The CPA Journal, 75(3), 68–70.

Rezaee, Z., & Wang, J. (2019). Forensic Accounting Education: A Multi-Stakeholder View of Objectives and Curriculum. Journal of Forensic and Investigative Accounting, 11(1), 1–28.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Thailand. (2023). Accusation order against Stark Corporation Public Company Limited for falsifying financial statements [Press release]. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://www.sec.or.th/TH/Pages/News_Detail.aspx?SECID=9738 [in Thai]

SkyQuest Technology. (2023). Forensic Accounting Market Insights 2023 [Online report]. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://www.skyquestt.com/report/forensic-accounting-market

Southern New Hampshire University. (2024). Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination [Webpage]. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://www.snhu.edu/.../graduate-forensic-accounting-and-fraud-examination

Srijunpetch, S. (2010). Getting to know investigative accounting. Journal of Accounting Profession, 6(17), 22–28. [in Thai]

Sriprasert, A. (2006). Forensic accounting: A new approach for auditing. University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce Journal, 26(1), 5–11. [in Thai]

Suppathada, S. (2020). Forensic accounting (2nd ed.). Bangkok, Thailand: Royal Thai Police Press. [in Thai]

Tangruenrat, C. (2022). Auditing. Bangkok, Thailand: TPN Press. [in Thai]

Thaiwong, P. (2020). Feasibility of establishing a forensic accounting firm in Thailand [Unpublished master’s independent study]. Thammasat University. [in Thai]

Thammasat University. (n.d.-a). Accounting curriculum [Webpage]. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from http://accounting.bus.tu.ac.th/cirriculum.html [in Thai]

Thammasat University. (n.d.-b). Program information (MAP) [Webpage]. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://map.tbs.tu.ac.th/course [in Thai]

Trongmateerut, P., Keawkham, N., & Ruangdech, T. (2025). Powering financial fraud detection with artificial intelligence. Journal of Federation of Accounting Professions. 7(1), 19, 50-63. Retrieved from https://so02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/JFAC/article/view/275902 [in Thai]

Ueamornpaiboon, W. (2014). Feasibility of developing the forensic accounting profession in Thailand [Unpublished master’s independent study]. Thammasat University. [in Thai]

Wells, J. T. (2001). Why employees commit fraud. Journal of Accountancy, 191(2), 89–92.

Winfield, J., & Roberts, M. (2023). Forensic accounting: Time for a unified global approach. Journal of Forensic Accounting Profession, 3(1), 38–56.

Wolfe, D. T., & Hermanson, D. R. (2004). The fraud diamond: Considering four elements of fraud. The CPA Journal, 74(12), 38–42.

Zion Market Research. (2023). Forensic Accounting Services Market – Global Industry Analysis & Forecast 2022–2030 [Online report]. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/forensic-accounting-services-market