Bangkok: Suebphong Prabyai, the former president of Ramkhamhaeng University, appeared in court for the first witness hearing in the case against the acting president of the university, Wuttisak Lapcharoensap, and his associates for perjury. The lawsuit, initiated by Suebphong, was filed in 2022 and accuses the university officials of false accusations and false testimony.

According to Thai News Agency, the proceedings took place at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road, where Suebphong, acting as the plaintiff, brought forth allegations against Wuttisak and two others. The charges stem from an earlier case filed at the Phra Nakhon Nuea District Court, where Suebphong was accused of acting without official authority. This case was dismissed, leading to the current perjury charges.

Suebphong testified as the first witness, with a total of five witnesses expected to testify by August 14th. The backdrop of this legal battle includes the removal of Suebphong from his position as university president in 2022, a removal that was executed twice within three months. The Central Administrative Court had initially granted him protection to remain in his role before the removal was repeated amidst allegations of using a fake academic degree.

The case also touches on the revocation of a degree awarded to Hun Sen, which he later dismissed by stating he had discarded it. Suebphong commented on the situation, emphasizing the university’s autonomy to revoke honorary degrees if the recipient does not meet the requirements. He noted that such degrees are usually awarded for significant contributions to society or the university, which were not evident in this case.

Suebphong further reflected on Hun Sen’s remarks about flushing his degree down the toilet, suggesting that while he has the right to express his views, the revocation likely arose from a formal complaint. He expressed concern over the damage to morale on both sides and urged for the cessation of inappropriate expressions from the Cambodian side.