VIHOK NEWS | THAILAND
October 14, 2026
BANGKOK, THAILAND — A powerful call for national moral reform has emerged as Thailand commemorates the 10th anniversary of the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (King Rama IX).
General Dr. Kittisak Ratprasert, Secretary-General of the National Good Governance Network, has urged Thai citizens to embrace the late King’s Four Fundamental Virtues as a moral defense against corruption, dishonesty, and the abuse of power.
He emphasized that Thailand’s transformation must begin with individual responsibility, personal integrity, and the courage to reject corruption at every level of society.
According to Gen. Kittisak, these royal teachings are not merely historical principles. They remain a practical foundation for building a more honest, responsible, and prosperous nation.
A Historic Royal Message From 1982
On April 5, 1982, during ceremonies marking the 200th anniversary of Bangkok’s founding as the capital of the Rattanakosin Kingdom, King Bhumibol delivered a historic royal address emphasizing four essential moral virtues.
These teachings are closely associated with four Buddhist principles known as Sacca, Dama, Khanti, and Caga.
Gen. Kittisak believes these principles remain critically relevant to Thailand’s struggle against corruption.
The four virtues are:
1. SACCA — TRUTHFULNESS AND INTEGRITY
Always uphold honesty, sincerity, and truth.
Individuals must remain faithful to what is right and just, refusing deception, dishonesty, and corruption.
2. DAMA — SELF-DISCIPLINE AND SELF-CONTROL
Learn to control personal desires, greed, and impulses.
Develop the moral strength to resist improper benefits, abuse of authority, and unethical conduct.
3. KHANTI — PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE
Exercise patience, restraint, and perseverance while remaining committed to honesty.
Even under pressure, temptation, or hardship, individuals must never abandon their moral principles.
4. CAGA — GENEROSITY AND SELF-SACRIFICE
Reject selfishness, wrongdoing, and corruption.
Be willing to sacrifice personal advantages for the greater interests of society and the nation.
Together, these principles establish a moral foundation for individuals, communities, public officials, and national leaders.
A Moral Vaccine Against Corruption
Gen. Kittisak described the Four Virtues as a powerful “moral vaccine” capable of strengthening Thai society against corruption.
He argued that corruption cannot be eliminated through punishment and legal enforcement alone.
Instead, society must develop an internal moral defense that discourages wrongdoing before it occurs.
He cited vote-buying as one example of how corruption undermines democratic institutions.
In his view, citizens who genuinely practice honesty and self-discipline should reject financial incentives offered in exchange for electoral support, regardless of the amount involved.
He stressed that fighting corruption must become a shared responsibility rather than a duty reserved exclusively for government agencies.
King Rama IX’s Strong Warning Against Dishonesty
Gen. Kittisak also recalled another significant royal address delivered to provincial governors under Thailand’s CEO-style provincial administration system on October 8, 2003.
During that address, King Bhumibol strongly emphasized integrity and warned public officials against corruption.
The King made clear that even minor acts of dishonesty were unacceptable and that integrity was essential to Thailand’s security and progress.
Gen. Kittisak interpreted the warning as a timeless reminder that public authority must never be used for personal enrichment.
He emphasized that government officials are entrusted with serving citizens and protecting the national interest.
Political Corruption and the Rule of Law
Gen. Kittisak also connected the King’s teachings to Thailand’s long-running political corruption controversies and judicial proceedings involving senior public figures.
He referred to cases involving former ministers, high-ranking officials, and former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as examples of the broader importance of accountability and the rule of law.
On September 9, 2025, Thailand’s Supreme Court ordered Thaksin to serve a one-year prison sentence after determining that his earlier hospitalization at Police General Hospital could not legally count as time served.
Gen. Kittisak cited political and judicial developments such as these to reinforce his argument that honesty, accountability, and equal application of the law are essential to restoring public confidence.
His political observations represent his own interpretation of contemporary events and should not be understood as suggesting that King Rama IX’s royal addresses referred to any particular individual or legal case.
Bringing Royal Teachings Into Thai Communities
On October 12, 2026, Gen. Kittisak shared a Facebook message under the theme “Opening a Space for Goodness.”
He recalled a memorable experience in 1982, when he and members of the organizing committee for the Nopparat–Rattanakosin outdoor historical performance at Lumpini Park were granted an audience with King Rama IX at Dusit Palace.
He described the occasion as one of the most meaningful memories of his life.
Gen. Kittisak also revealed that he has distributed portraits of King Bhumibol featuring the Four Virtues to local community leaders during training activities.
The portraits are intended for installation in village learning centers, community halls, and other public facilities.
His objective is to ensure that ordinary citizens can regularly encounter, understand, and practice these moral principles.
He also invited village chiefs and primary school directors across Thailand to request copies of the materials, which he offered to provide free of charge.
Teaching the Next Generation to Reject Corruption
Beyond public administration, Gen. Kittisak emphasized the importance of moral education within families and schools.
He encouraged parents, teachers, and community leaders to introduce children to the Four Virtues from an early age.
He also highlighted two additional Buddhist teachings:
Hiri-Ottappa — moral shame and the fear of committing wrongdoing.
Attahi Attano Natho — the principle that individuals must take responsibility for themselves and their own conduct.
He believes that developing these values among young people can help establish a generation less tolerant of dishonesty, corruption, and unethical behavior.
Ten Years After King Rama IX’s Passing
October 13, 2026, marked exactly ten years since King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great passed away on October 13, 2016.
For Gen. Kittisak, this anniversary represents more than an occasion of remembrance.
It is also an opportunity for Thai society to reflect on whether the King’s moral teachings have been translated into meaningful action.
He believes the Four Virtues provide a lasting framework for national development, good governance, and social responsibility.
Gen. Kittisak concluded that Thailand’s fight against corruption must begin with individual conduct.
Honest citizens create honest communities.
Honest communities strengthen institutions.
And accountable institutions provide a stronger foundation for a prosperous nation.
His central message is clear:
Thailand’s moral transformation must begin with ourselves.
By embracing truthfulness, self-discipline, patience, and self-sacrifice, every citizen can contribute to building a more transparent, just, and resilient Thailand.
By Nai In
VIHOK NEWS
Edition
Sources:
General Dr. Kittisak Ratprasert’s Facebook statement, October 12, 2026.
Royal Address of King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, April 5, 1982, Rattanakosin Bicentennial Commemoration.
Office of the Royal Development Projects Board — Royal Speeches on Honesty, Integrity, and Sincerity.
Royal Address to Thailand’s Provincial CEO Governors, October 8, 2003.
Thailand Public Relations Department — Supreme Court Ruling on Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, September 9, 2025.
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