The Application of Sappurisadhamma in Public Administration to Enhance Good Governance in the Civil Service System

Abstract

             This academic article aims to examine the application of the Seven Qualities of a Good Person (Sappurisadhamma) in Buddhism, namely Dhammaññutā (knowledge of principles or the Dhamma), Atthaññutā (knowledge of purpose or benefit), Attaññutā (knowledge of oneself), Mattaññutā (knowledge of moderation), Kālaññutā (knowledge of proper time), Parisaññutā (knowledge of the assembly or community), and Puggalaññutā (knowledge of individuals), in conjunction with the principles of good governance in Thai public administration. The study is situated within the context of societal transformation in the twenty-first century, in which the Thai bureaucratic system faces multifaceted challenges, including a crisis of public trust, structural corruption, and the limitations of New Public Management that prioritizes technical efficiency over ethical values. The article demonstrates that integrating Buddhist ethical principles into public administration can cultivate inner moral resilience among civil servants, reduce opportunities for corruption, and enhance trust between the state and the public, thereby contributing to an efficient, transparent, and sustainable system of governance in the long term.