Request for Temporary Revocation of Voting Privileges for Senator Keskamol by the Court
Laying Down the Gauntlet: Senator Keskamol's "Degree Drama" and the Election Commission's Pursuit
Senator Keskamol Pleansamai finds herself in hot water with the Supreme Court, thanks to none other than Thailand's Election Commission (EC). The EC has pinned Keskamol with allegations of misleading the public about her academic qualifications during the 2024 Senate election, a claim that could potentially cost her her voting rights.
Last June, Keskamol entered the political scene with a bang, trumpeting her credentials as a professor with a PhD from California University, outshining all competitors. Her claims proved to be convincing, earning her the highest number of votes in the final round of polling on June 26.
However, the EC received a complaint in July, challenging Keskamol's qualifications. After a thorough investigation, the Commission concluded that the use of a PhD title demanded actual studying, graduation, and a certificate, all of which seem to be absent for Keskamol.
It turns out that California University is a foreign credential evaluation institution, and the certificates it awards lack accreditation by Thai authorities. The Commission perceived Keskamol's claims as a calculated deceit to secure votes, a violation of Section 77 of the 2018 Senate election law.
The medical degree on Keskamol's CV, from Rangsit University, is one of the few items verified. However, her other claims of multiple graduate degrees and a professorship came under attack by social media sleuths post-election.
Keskamol defended her choice, stating that she competed in the Freelance Workers group rather than the Public Health group, which featured many well-known individuals. The Medical Council of Thailand had previously barred Keskamol from using the title "skin specialist" given her lack of a recognized dermatology certification.
It's worth noting that Keskamol's selection of a university in the US raised eyebrows as it was the same institution that granted a PhD to Thamanat Prompow, a former minister and current chief adviser to the Klatham Party. Thamanat's dissertation faced criticism for being graded and issued by a degree-equivalency assessor.
The potential consequences for Keskamol are severe. If found guilty, she could face a jail term of between 1-10 years and/or a fine ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 baht, as well as the loss of her voting rights for 20 years.
EC investigations are ongoing. Upon completion, the EC plans to announce resolutions, dependent on judicial scrutiny. Meanwhile, the Department of Special Investigation is pursuing a number of complaints related to vote-rigging and money-laundering in connection with the election.
Call it a "degree drama," but this case underscores worries about electoral integrity in Thailand. The EC has made resolving this case a priority, with a firm resolution expected soon. Stay tuned!
- The allegations against Senator Keskamol Pleansamai by the Election Commission (EC) involve her misrepresentation of her academic qualifications during the 2024 Senate election, potentially resulting in the loss of her voting rights.
- The EC has determined that Senator Keskamol's use of a PhD title, obtained from California University, is questionable because the university lacks accreditation by Thai authorities and the Commission could not find any evidence of her degree, studying, or certificate.
- Keskamol's Senate election victory is being challenged due to these findings, and if found guilty, she could face a prison term of between 1-10 years, fines ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 baht, and the loss of her voting rights for 20 years.
- This case, commonly referred to as the "degree drama," raises concerns about electoral integrity in Thailand, as the EC continues its investigation into this matter and other related allegations of vote-rigging and money-laundering.
