In a society and culture where appearance can have more value than fact, the ability to present one's self as educated by possessing a degree is common.
Learning how to obtain a degree by cheating, plagiarizing, purchase, payment, or from a diploma mill is perhaps the actual goal of a Thai education.
The skills required to graduate, as noted above, are life skills that can be invaluable in Thai society.
(NB Also common in other Asian counties.)