Freshmen at Uttaradit Rajabhat University are learning the ropes and among their "firsts" is a course which teaches them not to accept corruption.
Students at Uttaradit Rajabhat University gather for a brainstorming session to analyse the causes of corruption and discuss how to tackle the problem at a workshop on the campus. photos by Uttaradit Rajabhat University
Every week, one of the first classes which hundreds of first-year students attend is law. It is here that they practise a role-play exercise simulating an exam cheating spree inspired by the storyline of the 2017 Thai blockbuster movie Bad Genius.
The movie tells of a top student who gets pulled into a cheating racket with increasingly higher risks and even higher rewards although she lost much more than she gained.
For the freshmen, the role-play hammered home the message about personal integrity and corruption, which were raised for in-class discussion and debate. The central question put to students was how they perceive corruption and whether they tolerate the malpractice.
The students also debated what acts of corruption they might come across on a daily basis in various shapes and forms and what they would do about it.
The anti-graft study programme at the university lies at the kernel of "Youngsters with Good Hearts", an anti-corruption curriculum for students in tertiary education.
The project seeks to not only realise the vision of compelling students to not accept corruption in any shape or form but also raises the bar on efficient checks and balances. It lets young people see what good governance can deliver to improve society.
It was developed by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in collaboration with academic institutions including the Rajabhat university campuses.
With support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the principles on integrity, case studies, and experiences in tackling graft in other countries were incorporated in the course to deepen students' understanding about the impact of corruption on the economy and society. The ultimate goal is to instil zero tolerance of corruption in Thai youths, particularly those in local levels.
Freshmen participate in activities to promote the development of critical thinking skills and 'saying no' to corruption. The activities were designed by the Integrity Education Rajabhat Network together with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
"There's no denying that corruption is close to us. This is important in that it has everything to do with the laws and regulations with which we have to comply," said Sorawit Pradapol, a first-year student at Uttaradit Rajabhat University who enrolled in the anti-graft class.
"If we are caught cheating in an exam, we may fail the class. Our future and the future of our whole families could go astray. It's not worth our future," he said.
Corruption is deep rooted in Thai society. Fighting it requires a multi-faceted approach and strong contributions from the government, businesses, civil society and citizens.
Combating graft takes a lot more to accomplish than punishing the cheats; it needs effective deterrent measures as well as a change of mindset through embracing the right norms and social values, which motivates people, young and old alike, to want to resist graft and prevent it.
A prominent example of young people exposing graft came last year when Panida Yotpanya, a social science student at Maha Sarakham University, and three friends disclosed alleged embezzlement of the government's financial aid to the elderly and underprivileged by state officials.
The students gained insight into the alleged graft while they were working interns at the Protection Centre for the Destitute in Khon Kaen.
They were asked to be complicit in falsifying documents to help officials at the centre embezzle aid meant for these groups.
In November last year after her graduation, Ms Panida was recruited as a civil servant by the Office of Anti-Corruption in Public Sector Area 4 in the northeastern province.
Ms Panida said landing the job was a dream come true. She vowed to work through her assignments to help the country, community and people. Her recruitment was a reward for her good deeds, the office said.
Despite a rise in wariness and perception, corruption needs to be combated head-on, according to a Nida Poll in 2014 which concluded the issue presents a major moral and ethical question in society that requires systemic actions to tackle.
Graft eradication has been integrated into the current 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2017-2021). It spells out a mandatory policy for state agencies to follow.
The UNDP has for many years supported training courses on anti-corruption and integrity promotion, which are taught at academic institutions including Ubon Ratchathani University where the "Shrugging Off Corrupt" student club has been established.
Rooting out the culture of corruption must start early, ideally in the formative years or in schools, according to Artima Pantunyanon, a lecturer at the Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University who coordinates the Integrity Education Rajabhat Network which campaigns for zero tolerance of graft.
Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand members band together in a campaign to denounce corruption and push for people to be empowered and more aware of how they can eliminate graft of any kind. photo by Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand
However, she noted the majority of more than 4,000 curricula taught by 170 higher education institutions in Thailand do not touch on the subjects of graft eradication or integrity.
The network bands with the NACC and the UNDP in creating activities to spur critical thinking skills in university students so they can grasp the complexity of corruption and renounce the malpractice.
The students are involved in discussions, assigned to search for in-depth details about the impact of corruption based on a case study.
There is also the "volunteer reporter" activity where students assemble in groups to fetch information and deliver a presentation in the form of short documentary, film, or news report on a specific corruption-related study case of their choice.
The students are also able to showcase their ideas on ways to stamp out graft in an exhibition-like activity, she said, adding educational policymakers and teachers have advised on how the anti-graft push should be fine-tuned.
A three-day "Training the Trainers" workshop has been organised for teachers of the 16 campuses of the Rajabhat University nationwide to discuss ways to make the anti-corruption course a permanent fixture.
Teachers from the 16 campuses have brainstormed their lessons and shared experiences and good practices from running the course.
"Teachers are the primary promoters of social norms and values, as well as integrity, democracy and transparency," said Sumpun Rodpuengkrut, an academic at Uttaradit Rajabhat University, adding that: "What we do, our students will remember and follow."
Wichitra Srisorn, academic of the Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, said "integrity education" represents a critical foundation of a strong society and sustainable development of a country.
The subject is reflected in the goals of the country's sustainable development, which are to attain inclusive and quality education as well as peace, justice, and strong institutions, said Lovita Ramguttee, interim resident representative of UNDP Thailand.
Transparency International has conducted a recent survey which found that more than 70% Thais feel empowered to speak out against acts which are not legal or right.
Critics have observed that motorists bribing police to avoid paying traffic tickets, for example, keep quiet about it because they themselves have broken the law. However, the malpractice will lessen if more people openly denounce it.
Ms Wichitra said she is hopeful the anti-graft education will re-set moral compasses and lead to people resisting all kinds of graft.
Puwadet Wongkiam, law academic at Uttaradit Rajabhat University, said anti-graft education is now part of law study for first-year students under the "Youngsters with Good Hearts" umbrella.