Buddhist Ethics Applying to Integrate the Anti-Corruption Policy, Northeast Thailand

Abstract

Corruption is a major problem in all countries, where international organizations have an annual rating of Corruption-Free, to encourage stakeholders to recognize and pay attention to the issue. Buddhism has been with Thai society for a long time and it can be said that it is a culture that is deeply rooted in the territory of Thailand, however, it has not yet appeared in a concrete study that the application of Buddhist ethics has been integrated for prevention. What will be the prevention of corruption? Therefore, this research aimed to (1) to study the application of Buddhist ethics to integrate the anti-corruption policy. 2)to analyze the factors affecting the application of Buddhist ethics to integrate the anti-corruption policy, and 3) to present a guideline for applying Buddhist ethics to integrate the anti-corruption policy. This research used a blended methodology with a sample of 400 people, and interviews with 12 key informants. Quantitative data analysis using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Information from in-depth interviews is based on content analysis methods. The results of the research were as follows:

       The application of Buddhist ethics to integrate the anti-corruption policy, in general, is at a moderate level ( =3.07, S. D=.38), considering each aspect, it was found that the monitoring and evaluation were at a moderate level. ( =3.11, S.D=.37), Government policy formulation is at a moderate level ( =3.08, S.D=.17), and the implementation of government policies at a moderate level ( =3.02, S.D=.69) respectively.

       Factors affecting the application of Buddhist ethics to integrate the anti-corruption policy with statistical significance were: Public participation, policy satisfaction, the role of the Office of the Auditor General, the role of the Provincial National Anti-Corruption Commission, the motivation for achievement, with the predictor coefficient in the raw score (b) equal to.391, .299, .156, .138 and .074 respectively, and the forecast weight was 80 percent. (R^adj =0.80, F=20.23, Sig.=0.001).

       The guidelines for applying Buddhist ethics at 3 levels consist of 5 precepts (Ṣ̄īl), 10 roots of goodness (Kuṣ̄lkrrmbt̄h), 8 ways to success (Mrrkhmīxngkh̒ 8) is involved in the performance of duties containing the principles of Buddhist ethics as Morality to integrate public policy by applying Buddhist principles to cover all levels of policy in the policy-making process. In particular, (1) ignoring personal and companionship is effective and efficient. (2) Establish strategies for each agency to be seriously implemented, (3) Encourage staff to be conscious, (4) Organize training seminars to make officials aware of the implementation of government policies. Monitoring and evaluation of all departments. Besides, the public sector is urged to set indicators, standards, or criteria for assessing public policy based on morality and transparency. These will help in the fight against corruption in the public sector, respectively.