Thailand’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovations, Supamas Isarabhakdi, has declared that Senator Keskamol Pleansamai is ineligible to use the title “professor,” citing that her qualifications from a foreign university lack recognition within Thailand. This assertion has prompted an investigation into the legitimacy of Keskamol’s academic credentials by a committee led by Deputy Permanent Secretary Professor Supachai Pathumnakul.
The process of attaining professorship in Thailand typically involves advancing through academic ranks with approval from authorities, including Royalty. The committee, convened with nine members, has initiated its inquiry by requesting evidence from universities linked to Keskamol’s qualifications and plans to conduct interviews to ensure procedural fairness.
Minister Supamas has underscored the ministry’s efforts to combat fake degrees by urging all private universities to furnish comprehensive student and graduate records. Meanwhile, California University FCE, where Keskamol claims to have earned degrees, awaits approval for equivalency from the Ministry, with no applications for endorsement submitted thus far.
Despite the ongoing scrutiny surrounding her academic standing, Senator Keskamol boasts a diverse portfolio of qualifications from various domestic and international institutions. Her popularity among peers was evidenced by receiving the highest number of votes among 200 senators in the recent Senate election.