In a striking revelation that has rattled the academic community, Supachai Pathumnakul, the deputy permanent secretary for the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), disclosed the findings of an extensive probe into research paper fraud at a highly anticipated meeting on July 16. (Photo: MHESI Facebook)
The issue has become a hot topic, with six academics from three illustrious Thai universities being dismissed from their positions and an additional eight currently under investigation. The gravity of the offenses has prompted MHESI to ensure that these measures are seen as a stern warning to maintain academic integrity.
According to the ministry, three lecturers from Khon Kaen University have not only been terminated but will also face criminal proceedings. Two more lecturers from Chiang Mai University (CMU) and one from Chulabhorn Royal Academy have also been fired, according to Supachai Pathumnakul’s announcement on Thursday.
The whirlwind investigation, sparked by a report in August of the previous year, uncovered an alarming trend involving 109 academics from 33 universities. The catalyst for this scrutiny was an accusation that a CMU lecturer had illicitly purchased a research paper for 30,000 baht. As the inquiry deepened, it unearthed a web of fraudulent activity sprawling across five different websites offering these dubious services.
“Our investigation indeed points to a pervasive issue. We have uncovered the involvement of 14 lecturers, including a former high-ranking executive of Thaksin University, in this appalling fraud,” Supachai remarked during the disclosure.
Supamas Isarabhakdi, the Minister, reinforced these findings by announcing the establishment of a dedicated committee tasked with delving further into the scandal. This committee, led by Supachai, has already had preliminary meetings with the administrators of the implicated universities to gather relevant evidence, which they are required to submit within a span of 15 days.
According to Minister Isarabhakdi, “We are committed to wrapping up this investigation swiftly and anticipate concluding it by next month. We aim not only to address the immediate issues but also to establish robust safeguards to prevent the recurrence of such unethical practices.”
Moving forward, the MHESI plans to implement stringent measures to dictate the criteria, methods, and timelines for the disclosure and submission of data related to higher education. This initiative is envisioned as a preventive step to uphold the credibility and authenticity of academic outputs in the future.
Minister Isarabhakdi stressed the importance of transparency by mandating universities to submit detailed educational data of their graduates to the ministry for verification. This act is aimed at fortifying the integrity and trustworthiness of Thailand’s education system.
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