Bangkok: The Election Commission (EC) has released its verdict on the allegations against Dr. Kes, also known as Ms. Keskamol Pliansamai, regarding her use of the title ‘Professor’ to deceive voters in her campaign for the Senate. After thorough investigation, the EC found no evidence to support the claim that Dr. Kes was appointed to a professorial position, leading to their decision to submit a resolution to the Supreme Court to revoke her voting rights and pursue criminal prosecution.
According to Thai News Agency, the EC’s decision, published on its website, is detailed in a 13-page document. The document outlines the decision made on April 30, 2015, to petition the Supreme Court to revoke Ms. Keskamol’s right to run for election or to vote, as per the Organic Act on the Acquisition of Senators 2018 and the Constitution. The charges stem from Ms. Keskamol’s alleged misuse of her self-claimed title and qualifications during the senator selection process.
Ms. Kesakamol, in her defense, provided a written statement asserting her innocence. She detailed her educational background, including a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Rangsit University and subsequent approval as a Doctor of Medicine in 2007. Her professional journey includes being a registered medical practitioner and a member of the Medical Council since 2007, with extensive experience in the field of skin and beauty.
Controversy arose from Ms. Kesakamol’s claim of holding a Ph.D. in Political Science from California University, USA, and her self-identification as a Professor in Human Resource Development. She argued that these titles were valid, obtained through legally recognized institutions. However, the investigation revealed discrepancies in her academic claims, particularly regarding her professorship, which was not recognized by official Thai education authorities.
The investigation further highlighted that Ms. Kesakamol’s academic position as a professor was unsupported by any records within the Civil Service Commission and the Higher Education Commission. Additionally, there was no evidence of any higher education institution in Thailand recognizing her academic titles.
The EC’s findings concluded that while Ms. Kesakamol’s claim to a doctoral degree from California University could not be legally challenged due to lack of evidence, her use of the professorial title was misleading. Witness statements suggested that her self-presentation as ‘Professor Dr. Kesakamol Pliansamai’ potentially influenced voters under false pretenses, violating the Organic Act on the Acquisition of Senators 2018.
The EC also addressed the issue of Ms. Kesakamol wearing a graduation gown from the Universal Institute of Professional Management, affirming her right to do so based on her legitimate academic achievements. However, the primary concern remains the misleading representation of her qualifications, leading to the EC’s decision to pursue legal action.
Ultimately, the EC’s resolution to seek the Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the potential legal consequences for Ms. Kesakamol, including imprisonment, fines, and a significant period of voting rights revocation, as stipulated under the relevant sections of the Organic Act on the Acquisition of Senators 2018.