Senator Keskamol Pleansamai is no stranger to the limelight, though the spotlight shining on her now may be a tad too telling. With a medical degree from Rangsit University sitting proudly in her resume, it’s that shiny beacon among her credentials that has been confirmed amid a haze of doubt surrounding her other achievements.
Yet, it’s not just the degree itself raising eyebrows, but the whirlwind controversy brewing around her multiple graduate degrees and professorship, claims that recently fell under intense scrutiny. Dubbed by the media and her critics alike as a ‘degree drama,’ Keskamol’s educational credentials have become the epicenter of a political storm that seems to be intensifying by the day.
In a move that could shake her political career, the Election Commission (EC) is planning to request the Supreme Court to cut off Senator Keskamol’s voting rights. The charge? Misleading the public with fraudulent claims about her educational background. Last year, amidst a fervent race for a Senate seat, Keskamol painted an impressive academic canvas — notably claiming a Ph.D. from California University and a professorial title.
This description wooed voters, making her the favorite choice in the final polls held on June 26. However, her triumph soon hit a rocky path when, in July, a complaint was lodged against her. The crux of the dispute was that holding a Ph.D. supposedly involves actual study, graduation, and the holy grail of a certificate.
But there’s a twist in this tale: California University, as per the EC’s inquiry, is a credential evaluation body, not quite meeting the accreditation bar set by Thai academic institutions. As if things weren’t murky enough, the commission deemed her actions a deceptive ploy to gain voter favor, a clear breach of Section 77 of the Senate election law of 2018.
At 47, Dr. Keskamol, who juggles her senatorial duties with the ownership of four beauty clinics, managed to mesmerize a substantial online audience. When entering the senatorial race, she opted to represent the Freelance Workers group instead of the Public Health group, citing tough competition in the latter, which boasted formidable contenders.
The Medical Council of Thailand didn’t pull punches, stating that Dr. Keskamol could not rightly dub herself a skin specialist given her lack of dermatology certification. And then there’s the eyebrow-raising choice of her alma mater — it bears the same name as the institution linked to Thamanat Prompow, a figure known for his controversial Ph.D. journey, who is currently serving as the chief adviser to the Klatham Party.
The plot thickens as under Section 77, misleading educational credentials could embroil Keskamol in legal quicksand, carrying penalties of one to ten years behind bars and/or fines ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 baht, along with a whopping 20-year suspension of voting privileges. Should the Supreme Court greenlight the inquiry, Keskamol must step back from her senatorial role until the curtain falls on this judicial drama.
Additionally, there’s another subplot with Keskamol’s name written all over it; an accusation of colluding in last year’s Senate elections lingers ominously over her. EC chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong recently mentioned that the commission is working diligently to wrap up investigations on alleged election fraud this month.
Adding a thrill to this political saga is the Department of Special Investigation’s own probe into several accusations tied to the election’s vote-rigging and financial misconduct shenanigans.
As Keskamol awaits the next chapter of her political journey, this formidable storyline is bound to grip attention from all corners of the nation, proving that truth perhaps is stranger (and more entertaining) than fiction.
It’s downright scandalous if you ask me! How does someone with suspect credentials even climb to such heights in politics? This calls for a serious reform in how we vet our leaders.
You can’t expect much change if it’s all about who you know instead of what you know. The system is rigged to favor connections over competence.
Exactly! This whole circus could have been avoided with stricter background checks. I hope this opens some eyes at the top.
I think it’s harsh to penalize her for trying to get ahead. Isn’t it everyone’s right to dream big? Maybe she was just embellishing to inspire!
Dreaming big is one thing, but lying to the public? That’s an entirely different ballgame. Accountability should be expected from public figures.
True, but aren’t we all guilty of inflating our resumes a bit? I bet there are many other politicians who’ve done similar.
I think Joan has a point. We should investigate without immediate judgment. Innocent until proven guilty, right?
When a senator’s integrity is questioned, the entire legislative body suffers. We need leaders who represent truth, not personal agendas.
Couldn’t agree more, Enzo. Every scandal like this just adds to the public’s distrust in government officials. It’s heartbreaking.
Let’s be honest, this isn’t about qualifications, it’s about a political witch hunt. They just want her out for their benefit!
Might be true, Greg. But if it turns out she’s been misleading about her education, then it’s her fault she’s in this mess.
Fair enough! But still, the timing and the noise make it suspicious. Where was everyone before the election?
It’s sad how our leaders can’t be honest about their qualifications. Education should be celebrated, not fabricated.
Well said, KiloByte! Our leaders should set examples, not manipulate credentials for personal gain.
Regardless of her past, Keskamol had my vote because she supports freelancers. She understands my struggles better than most!
Support is great, but honesty is more important. If we let these things slide, who knows what else they’re hiding?
PhD or not, if she can do the job well, I’m not sure why we should care.
We should care because integrity matters! If she’s dishonest about this, what else is she hiding?
We’re all focusing too much on the individual. What about fixing the system that allows these loopholes?
Exactly, systemic change is key. But individuals still need to be held accountable for exploiting these loopholes.
I find the credibility of the allegations shaky at best. We’ve seen how quickly political smears appear before.
It’s entertaining, but this isn’t reality TV. It’s real life with real consequences.
Here’s my take: even if she’s got something to hide, I can’t deny she’s been effective in her political role.
Only in politics do such absurd dramas unfold. It’s like we’re watching a soap opera unfold in real-time.
Dishonesty aside, what initially attracted me to her was her focus on non-traditional career paths. Isn’t that something we need more of in the Senate?
If Keskamol is pushed out, then let it be for the right reasons – not because her opponents want an empty seat.
Personally, I think we need to focus on everyone’s actual achievements, not just the numbers and letters after their name.
Nobody’s perfect, but a blatant fraud is far from reasonable. Politics should have higher standards.