The Election Commission (EC) has been thrown into the spotlight as they’ve been called to scrutinize the eligibility of the candidate who amassed the highest votes in the recent Senate election. Sonthiya Sawatdee, a former adviser to the House Committee on Law, Justice, and Human Rights, took a bold step on Friday, filing a petition demanding an investigation into Senator Keskamol Pleansamai’s qualifications.
Sonthiya claimed to possess a revealing document that the senator used to promote her credentials during the election campaign. He alleged that the educational history outlined in the document might be fabricated. According to Sonthiya, he has urged the EC to verify whether Dr. Keskamol meets the standards prescribed by the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) and to assess if any false information was relayed to government officials.
Citing the organic law governing Senate elections, Sonthiya stressed that it is a serious offense for candidates to submit deceptive educational credentials. Dr. Keskamol, however, stood firm on Friday, asserting the legitimacy of her academic achievements. “I earned my degrees; I did not purchase them. The universities I attended are legitimate institutions,” she declared confidently.
Dr. Keskamol’s educational journey took her from a degree in medical science at Rangsit University to a master’s in organizational management from Krirk University. She furthered her academic prowess with a PhD in resources management and development from Maejo University and another in business administration from California University. Additionally, she received certification from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine.
However, a cloud of doubt enveloped her educational background after questions about the existence of California University arose. Unlike the prestigious University of California, the institution Dr. Keskamol is associated with is the California University Foreign Credentials Evaluation (FCE) Institution. This body provides equivalency certificates based on one’s educational and professional accomplishments, rather than traditional degrees.
The Higher Education Commission’s President, Pradit Wannarat, weighed in on Friday, emphasizing that individuals with master’s or doctoral degrees must secure accreditation from the OCSC if they intend to work in state agencies. Although lacking this accreditation disqualifies them from government roles, it does not hinder prospects in the private sector.
This California University association brings about déjà vu, as it is the same institution where Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow earned his PhD, sparking skeptical murmurs due to his dissertation being assessed by a degree-equivalency evaluator.
Dr. Keskamol, a successful entrepreneur owning four beauty companies, articulated her motives for joining the Senate race. She desired to channel her rich experience as a preventive medicine specialist and consultant to the House Committee on Law, Justice, and Human Rights into meaningful contributions. Admittedly, she opted for the freelancer group over public health or women sectors to strategically dodge fierce competition, primarily from veteran doctors in the public health domain.
She candidly expressed bewilderment over the stringent scrutiny by EC auditors, dismissing similar past accusations regarding her educational qualifications. “Officials from the Phetchaburi Provincial Election Commission even summoned me for questioning,” she revealed, adding that she had already provided the necessary documents to the EC without any ensuing issues.
Refuting online criticisms, Dr. Keskamol reiterated that she graduated from California University in the United States and conducted her research independently. She also clarified that the professorial titles from international institutions should not be directly compared with those in Thailand.
I think this is another classic example of a witch hunt. Just because she did well in the elections, now they want to question her credentials?
MaxWell, it’s not just a witch hunt if there are false credentials involved. It undermines the whole integrity of the election process.
True, but we should at least give her the benefit of the doubt until proven guilty. Innocent until proven guilty, right?
Lena G., Exactly. How can we have any trust in our officials if lying about educational achievements becomes the norm?
What’s even the point of this investigation? People need to focus on real issues like the economy and healthcare!
I’m not sure why everyone’s surprised. Politicians lying about their credentials isn’t exactly new.
Jamie, while that might be true, that doesn’t mean we should just accept it. Accountability matters.
Sarah W., I’m all for accountability, but sometimes it feels like we’re just picking and choosing who to hold accountable.
The bigger issue here is the existence and recognition of these so-called California University degrees. They seem sketchy at best.
EduExpert, you nailed it. If these institutions aren’t properly accredited, they shouldn’t be used to gain positions of power.
EduExpert, how do these ‘equivalency certificates’ even get past the verification process? It’s ridiculous.
Her educational background does look suspicious. Why would someone with four companies rely on such debatable degrees?
It’s crazy how people are focusing on her education instead of her track record and what she can offer as a senator.
If she lied about her degrees, she should be disqualified immediately. This is non-negotiable for me.
Justice4All, that might be a bit extreme. Let’s allow for a full investigation first.
Mark Thompson, but can we really afford to have questionable individuals in power while we ‘investigate’? Time is of the essence.
She claims to have degrees in diverse fields from medical science to business administration. It’s a bit too much, isn’t it?
The Senate should have better verification processes in place. This situation could have been avoided entirely.
Fake degrees or not, at the end of the day, we should focus on what she has achieved as an entrepreneur and specialist.
Tommy, achievement is important, but so is integrity. How can you trust someone’s achievements if they started with a lie?
Maggie, fair point, but life is not black and white. Lies or half-truths don’t always mean a person is incapable.
What’s concerning is that California University FCE is the same place another influential figure got his PhD. Patterns like these need deeper examination.
Why would someone successful even risk their reputation with dubious degrees? It doesn’t add up.
Sally, sometimes people think they won’t get caught, or that their success will overshadow any lies. Pride before the fall, maybe?
I think it’s ridiculous that this many resources are being wasted on an investigation like this. Prioritize better, folks.
Her previous work sounds impressive, but using unverified degrees definitely casts a shadow over it.
Exactly, Estelle. It’s about setting a precedent – credibility has to be earned, not faked.
I hope this makes other candidates scrutinize their own backgrounds before running for such positions.
Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? She deserves a fair trial, not a media circus.
Victor, public figures should be held to higher standards. If you can’t handle the scrutiny, don’t run for office.