A complainant in the case against controversial senator Dr. Keskamol Pleansamai, who is facing criminal charges over an allegedly fraudulent claim involving the use of the title “Professor” in her Senate election bid, has urged the Election Commission (EC) to forward the case to the Supreme Court this week.
On April 30, the EC resolved to ask the court to consider revoking Dr. Keskamol’s voting rights, over her claim to hold a doctoral degree from the University of California.
The EC also sought a court order, suspending her from senatorial duties should the court agree to take up the case.
Lawyer Phattarapong Supakson told reporters yesterday that, on July 18, he received a document detailing the EC’s, ruling in his capacity as complainant.
He alleges that Keskamol misused academic credentials, in a way that could amount to deception, in her Senate candidacy application.
The offense carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years, disqualification from voting for 20 years and/or a fine of up to 200,000 baht if convicted.
Phattarapong called on the EC to submit Keskamol’s case to the Supreme Court's Election Cases Division by July 25th, saying that there are no grounds to delay the matter further.
Dr Keskamol received the highest number of votes in the national round of Senate elections held on June 26th last year and was, thus, appointed to the Senate.
Her educational background has come under public scrutiny following her claim that she holds a PhD in Business Administration from the University of California.
The commission’s investigation concluded that there are grounds to believe that the senator misled the public about her academic qualifications and capabilities.
“She claimed in her Senate application that she had earned a doctoral degree from California University and identified herself as ‘Professor Dr. Keskamol,’” the EC stated.
The EC ruled that the title "Professor" may only be used if the individual studied in person at an accredited institution. California University, however, operates via a system of report submission and grade transfers and is not recognised by the relevant Thai authorities.
