Attitudes and Perceptions of Mahasarakham University Students toward Corruption in Thai Society

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1) study Mahasarakham University students' attitudes toward corruption in Thai society 2) study Mahasarakham University students' perceptions of corruption in Thai society 3) study Mahasarakham University students' recommendations for addressing corruption in Thai society. By using a quantitative research approach, data were collected from a sample of 397 students through a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics—namely percentage, mean, and standard deviation—were used to analyze the responses. The findings indicated that overall student attitudes toward corruption were at a moderate level (x̄ = 3.11), with the strongest agreement on the belief that corruption harms the nation (x̄ = 4.01). In terms of perception, students demonstrated a high level of awareness regarding corruption in Thai society (x̄ = 3.58). The most strongly perceived issue was the belief that reporting corruption is difficult in practice, as the public still relies on patronage networks (x̄ = 3.72). To address corruption, students recommended that the university incorporate mandatory coursework on the consequences of corruption and promote collaboration between university administrators and faculties such as Political Science and Law, which already offer relevant educational content on corruption and legal accountability.