QUALIFICATION DISPUTE: Karun bought his college certificate, says Somkiat

Published on February 3, 2005

Thai Rak Thai candidate now looks certain to be dumped

Karun Hosakul yesterday faced damning new evidence that he bought his higher vocational-college certificate and looks likely to be removed as the Thai Rak Thai Party’s MP candidate for Bangkok Constituency 14 in Sunday’s general election.

Karun is fighting an Election Commission inquiry into his education credentials after Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University revoked his bachelor’s degree on January 29 for using what it said was flawed qualifications for enrolment. He has insisted that he could have his degree reinstated after clearing up the misunderstanding.

But evidence that he bought his vocational-college certificate has further undermined his chances of staying in the race.

“Karun received a genuine certificate for his vocational studies, but he never graduated and his school sold him the document,” said Senator Somkiat Onwimon, who is also a council member at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University.

Karun attended a higher vocational college in Bangkok for two years and transferred his course credits to Dhurakit Bundit Technical College in Nakhon Si Thammarat, which is known for selling vocational certificates, he said.

Under electoral rules, Karun needs to have at least a tertiary education to qualify for a House seat.

The EC is expected to petition the Supreme Court to remove him from the race before Sunday’s poll, citing the cancellation of his degree.

Somkiat said Karun should end his campaign to contest the election or face further embarrassment.

“Deputy Prime Minister Purachai Piumsombun is on the university council and he knows all the facts about Karun,” he said.

Karun, however, has continued to fight.

He submitted a petition for the university to review its decision, citing 10 official documents showing he did indeed complete his vocational-course work and graduated.

Reacting to Karun’s petition, university president Pratya Wesarat said his office would not have sufficient time to complete the review before election day.

“I want to ensure justice for Karun, but at this juncture I think he should concentrate on fighting for his chance to contest the election with the EC and the court,” Pratya said.

The Supreme Court will today convene a judicial hearing into the EC inquiry report recommending the removal of Karun from the election for not having the proper education credentials.

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