STRENGTHENING VALUES AGAINST CORRUPTION AND POLITICAL MISCONDUCT OF NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCIAL CENTRAL PRISON OFFICERS

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1) examine the level of values regarding the resistance to corruption and political misconduct among officials at the Nakhon Ratchasima Central Prison; 2) compare these values based on the personal characteristics of the officials; and 3) explore ways to strengthen such values among the officials at the Nakhon Ratchasima Central Prison. The study employs a mixed-methods approach. The quantitative component utilizes a questionnaire for data collection, which demonstrated an overall reliability coefficient of 0.857. The sample consists of 100 officials from the Nakhon Ratchasima Central Prison. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, with hypotheses tested via one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The qualitative component involves in-depth interviews with 9 key informants, with data analyzed through descriptive content analysis.

The research findings indicate that the overall level of values regarding the resistance to corruption and political misconduct among the officials at the Nakhon Ratchasima Central Prison is moderate ( = 3.28). Furthermore, the comparison of these values based on personal characteristics reveals no significant differences, either in the overall assessment or across individual dimensions. Therefore, research hypothesis 3 is rejected. Regarding the promotion of values to counter corruption and political misconduct among officials at the Nakhon Ratchasima Central Prison, it was found that integrating the three forms of integrity (tri-sujarit) into the performance of official duties starting with mano-sujarit integrity of mind: a commitment to righteousness and the restraint of greed, even when unobserved leads to vaci-sujarit integrity of speech: truthful, transparent communication that rejects negotiations involving conflicts of interest and kaya-sujarit integrity of action: performing duties with honesty, refraining from the abuse of power for personal gain, and upholding justice. This approach helps preserve justice and fosters public trust in the Department of Corrections and the Thai civil service system.