Fake certificates scandal at E-Sarn University
Published: 27/04/2011 at 05:36 PM
Bangkok Post: Online news: Local News
The E-Sarn University Council resolved on Wednesday to suspend the university rector and executives from duty indefinitely in connection with the sale of fake professional teacher certificates.
Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday, the university council president, Prachuab Chaiyasarn, said the council decided to suspend E-Sarn University rector Atsadang Sawangkarn, the university’s graduate school dean Nakkhaphol Kernchai, deputy graduate school dean Thassana Ketmanee, registrar's assistant Anongluck Chumpla, graduate school official Natthanan Buapa and other university executives from duty indefinitely over the sale of professional teacher qualifications.
The suspension orders were effective immediately.
The council also appointed former Khon Kaen University rector Sumon Sakolchai new rector of E-Sarn University. A disciplinary panel has been set up to investigate, said Mr Prachuab.
The panel, comprising representatives from the Office of the Higher Education Commission, state-run Khon Kaen University and other education experts has 30 days to complete the inquiry, said Mr Prachuab.
The university council president said an initial investigation found the university had sold professional teacher certificates to some graduates, as alleged.
Four graduates, including three women and one man, earlier told the Teachers’ Council of Thailand (TCT) that they had bought certificates, costing between 40,000-50,000 baht each, from the university, said Mr Prachuab.
He showed to the press copies of the fake certificates and transcripts of the four graduates. The documents were co-signed by Mr Atsadang and Ms Anongluck.
The inquiry found the rector and concerned staff had failed to check the documents before they signed.
The alleged sale of certificates by the privately-run E-Sarn University in northeastern Khon Kaen province came to light when seven graduates applied for teaching licences with the TCT. The certificates were found to be false.
Mr Prachuab said the university had already sent a letter to the TCT voiding the certificates of those graduates.