Anti Corruption Laws and the Four Brahmaviharas: Impact on Transparency in Thai Public Administration

Abstract

This academic article aims to examine the connection between anti-corruption laws and the Four Brahmaviharas (Four Sublime States) and analyze their impact on transparency in Thai public administration. The study finds that corruption is a significant problem that undermines public confidence in the civil service system. Although the Thai government has enacted laws to prevent and suppress corruption, law enforcement alone is insufficient to create a culture of honesty and integrity. The integration of the Four Brahmaviharas comprising Metta (loving-kindness), Karuna (compassion), Mudita (sympathetic joy), and Upekkha (equanimity) with anti-corruption laws helps establish a strong ethical foundation. Metta and Karuna reduce the motivation to seek personal gain, Mudita creates a supportive work atmosphere, and Upekkha ensures neutral and transparent decision-making. Organizational culture plays a crucial role in shaping the attitudes and behaviors of personnel. Transparency is a fundamental principle that helps build trust and prevent corruption, yet several obstacles remain, including weak law enforcement, patronage culture, limited citizen participation, and challenges from fake news. The creation of holistic good governance that integrates law, religious principles, technology, and citizen participation will ensure that the civil service system is not only transparent but also resilient against corruption in the long term. The combination of the structural power of law with the ethical foundation of the Four Brahmaviharas will create a more sustainable and effective corruption prevention system.