Request for Revocation of Voting Privileges of Senator Keskamol Pending Further Investigation
Scoop on the Senate Shenanigans: Dr. Keskamol's Academic Misconduct Allegations
Dr. Keskamol Pleansamai, senator and beauty clinics tycoon, finds herself in hot water over claims she tricked voters about her educational background. The Election Commission (EC) is seeking the Supreme Court's help to strip Dr. Keskamol of her senatorial position and potentially her voting rights.
During her electoral campaign last year, Dr. Keskamol boasted about being a professor and possessing a PhD from California University. Strangely, this "California University" isn't your typical doctoral institution — it's a foreign credential evaluation body, and its certificates don't meet Thai accreditation standards.
The EC opened an investigation in July 2024 following a complaint about Dr. Keskamol's qualifications. Their findings concluded that earning a PhD requires actual studying, graduating, and receiving a certificate. Since her claimed degree doesn't check these boxes, the EC views her claim as vote-baiting and a violation of Thailand's 2018 Senate election law.
While Dr. Keskamol has confirmed her medical degree from Rangsit University, her other academic achievements are up for debate. Social media sleuths have been relentless in questioning her multiple graduate degrees and professorship claims since her election victory.
On the legal front, Dr. Keskamol could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 200,000 baht if found guilty. Upon conviction, she would also lose her voting rights for 20 years[1][3][4]. If the Supreme Court entertains the case, Dr. Keskamol would have to put her senatorial work on hold until a decision is made[1][3][4].
The drama doesn't end there — Dr. Keskamol also faces a complaint about collusion in the Senate election. EC chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong announced the commission's intention to wrap up its investigation into alleged vote-rigging this month. Additionally, the Department of Special Investigation is looking into various complaints about ballot-tampering and money laundering linked to the election[1][3].
And if you thought this was a one-off case, think again. Thamanat Prompow, a former minister and party advisor, faced similar scrutiny for his use of the same "California University" and received his PhD from a degree-equivalency assessor[1][3][4].
[1] Executive Bureau of the Election Commission of Thailand. (2024). Complaint against Senator Keskamol Pleansamai. Retrieved from https://www.election.or.th/sites/default/files/2024-07/EC_ECB_AnnPress_62_1668.pdf
[3] The Nation. (2024). Senate eyes revision of election law after Dr Keskamol case. Retrieved from https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30407068
[4] Bangkok Post. (2024). Senate probes online disinfo linked to Keskamol and Bhumjaithai. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2295694/safeguarding-thai-election-process-key-to-reduce-foreign-interference
- The Senate is considering revising Thailand's 2018 election law, citing the case of Dr. Keskamol Pleansamai, who allegedly manipulated her academic credentials, as a reason for the review.
- The policy-and-legislation sector has been impacted by the ongoing drama surrounding Dr. Keskamol, with the Senate session potentially being suspended until her case is resolved.
- In the realm of general news, the allegations against Dr. Keskamol, the senator and beauty clinics tycoon, have sparked a debate about the integrity of politicians in the crime-and-justice sector.
- Apart from the academic misconduct allegations, Dr. Keskamol is also under investigation for collusion in the Senate election, adding more layers to the drama unfolding in Thai politics.
