Understanding Derived from Ethical Knowledge under the Ethical Standards Act B.E. 2562 and Its Influence on Ethical Behavior: A Case Study of Provincial Administrative Organizations

Abstract

The research entitled “Understanding Derived from Ethical Knowledge under the Ethical Standards Act B.E. 2562 and Its Influence on Ethical Behavior: A Case Study of Provincial Administrative Organizations” aims to: Examine the understanding derived from ethical knowledge based on factual knowledge and legal interpretation of state officials in Provincial Administrative Organizations under the Ethical Standards Act B.E. 2562; Study the ethical behavior of state officials in accordance with the Act; and Analyze how ethical understanding derived from factual knowledge and legal interpretation influences the ethical behavior of state officials.

This study employed a qualitative research methodology, consisting of documentary analysis and in-depth interviews with 17 key informants. The findings revealed that, although state officials demonstrate a generally good understanding of ethics, such understanding tends to remain confined within the framework of legal compliance rather than internalized moral values. Some officials still perceive ethical standards as synonymous with disciplinary rules, as both share similar practical implications in terms of supervision and punishment. This perception suggests that the intrinsic value of ethics has yet to be deeply embedded.

In conclusion, the study found that ethical understanding derived from both factual knowledge and legal interpretation directly influences ethical behavior among state officials in Provincial Administrative Organizations. Enhancing understanding of the law’s underlying intent alongside cultivating moral consciousness and promoting an ethical organizational culture will enable the Ethical Standards Act B.E. 2562 to function not merely as a legal obligation, but as a sustainable moral practice for state officials in the long term.