University sues former lecturer for 16 million baht over scholarship dispute

The case involving a former lecturer with mental health issues, being sued for a whopping 16 million baht by the university that granted her a Ph.D. scholarship, has drawn the attention of the Higher Education Ministry and a House committee. Both bodies have declared their intent to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Takorn Tantasith, the chair of the House Committee on Higher Education, science, research, and Innovation, unveiled plans for a meeting to be held in Chiang Rai province on December 14. The panel aims to hear the case from both the former lecturer and a representative of Mae Fah Luang University.

Takorn revealed that the former lecturer reached out to him directly via Facebook, prompting the House committee to delve into the issue. The objective is to establish a standard for scholarship applications and repayment.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Supamas Isaraphakdi, has instructed officials to investigate the matter, promising justice in the process.

The former lecturer at Mae Fah Luang University, known only as Doctor Keng, reportedly comes from a humble background. She was able to attain a doctoral degree solely due to scholarships from the higher education ministry and Mae Fah Luang University.

During her doctoral studies in England in 2012, she experienced mental health problems and required medical treatment for 28 days. Despite the setback, she managed to complete her studies. After returning to Thailand, she took up a position as a lecturer at Mae Fah Luang University.

However, on August 19, 2014, her anxiety disorder resurfaced, leading her to tender her resignation to the university. Her resignation was swiftly accepted due to her health condition.

However, she was later sued for 16 million baht by the university for failing to fulfill her obligation of working with the university for ten years as a means of repaying her scholarship. Despite her attempts to regain her position, her efforts were unsuccessful, reported Bangkok Post.