Thailand denies endorsing California University FCE degrees

The Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) firmly denied endorsing the equivalency assessments provided by the California University Foreign Credentials Evaluation (FCE) Institution. This revelation follows recent claims by senator-elect Keskamol Pleansamai, who cited a PhD in business administration from the university.

Keskamol, who garnered the most votes in the national Senate voting on June 26, faced scrutiny after netizens discovered that the institute allegedly only issued certificates, not degrees. The California University FCE website asserted that the Thai Parliament and the OCSC had endorsed degrees based on its equivalency assessments of courses conducted by Thai public universities.

The OCSC clarified that it conducted investigations and found no evidence of state agencies or units submitting degrees from California University FCE for endorsement. This endorsement is typically required for job applications or appointments within state agencies.

The OCSC also stated unequivocally that it has never published any announcement or information endorsing degrees from California University FCE on its website. Despite this, images purportedly showing such an announcement have circulated widely online.

The OCSC reserves the right to pursue legal action against anyone disseminating false information intended to damage its reputation.

Issara Sereewatthanawut, Deputy Secretary-General of King Prajadhipok’s Institute, suggested that Keskamol should publicly share images of her PhD and thesis to substantiate her academic credentials.

Former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn recently took to Facebook, urging Parliament to investigate the alleged OCSC endorsement of California University FCE degrees.

In a related development, senator-elect Yukol Chanawatpanya, representing the older people, disabled, and ethnic groups, voiced his desire for Senate speaker and deputy Senate speaker candidates to publicly share their visions before elections.

Senators should be free to make their decisions without political interference, Yukol stated.

He emphasised that the Senate speaker and deputies should remain non-partisan and free from manipulation, noting concerns about the close alignment of many senators with political parties, which some argue undermines the Senate’s independence, reported Bangkok Post.