Too Easy to Buy Degrees
A scandal involving the buying and selling of degrees at a university in the Northeast might be nothing new to the Thai education system.
But when it involves thousands of
certificates, it becomes a shocking fact that the Education Ministry could no
longer afford to let such a dishonorable practice to go unnoticed
Private universities
have been the primary suspects recently. They allegedly not only sell
certificates, permitting these individuals to teach, outright but also offer
various options to students so that they can obtain degrees without putting in
any real effort. Graduation is guaranteed for them so long as they pay all the
tuition and fees.
And we haven't yet
mentioned public universities and colleges.
There are 39 private
universities nationwide as of today, many with notable academic standards and
quality programs as required by the Office of the Higher Education Commission.
However, some simply focused on making money by offering shorter coursework and
double-degree programs, and attracting prospective students with flashy ads
while the teaching quality remains at rock-bottom.
At one time when one
of the requirements for House members is a bachelor's degree as a minimum
education level, some provincial politicians took the easy way out by buying
the bachelor's degrees or higher from domestic and foreign universities.
Particularly, one cabinet member in the Samak Sundaravej government was found
to have obtained a degree from a diploma mill in the Philippines. Others
attempted to be nominated for honorary degrees without possessing required
knowledge or expertise in any particular fields through lobbying and bribery.
It is undeniable
that Thai society still give much value to degrees while an increasing number
of educational institutions have gained acceptance and recognition compared to
the past. For example, graduates from Chulalongkorn University may have an
advantage over those from other universities in finding jobs and become
successful in their careers. Today, the name of universities seem to be less
important a factor.
While an academic
degree remains crucial in determining one's career and social status in Thai
society, there are always those who are willing to pay for it. And a mere piece
of paper will continue to be put up for sale as long as the demand is there.
Dr. Degree
Pattaya East
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