EMPOWERMENT OF MORALITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN PRESENT THAI SOCIETY

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) examine undesirable behaviors among youth in contemporary Thai society; 2) investigate Buddhist principles for promoting moral development among youth in contemporary Thai society; and 3) propose guidelines for promoting moral development among youth in contemporary Thai society. This study employed documentary research. Data were collected from the Tipiṭaka, Buddhist texts, books, research articles, reports on the situation of children and youth, and documents published by relevant organizations. The data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive synthesis.

The findings revealed that:

1) undesirable behaviors among youth in contemporary Thai society could be classified into five major areas: alcohol consumption, cigarette and e-cigarette use, and substance abuse; violence and bullying; risky behaviors associated with digital media and online gambling; risky sexual behaviors; and a lack of discipline and responsibility toward education. These behaviors were associated with both individual factors and environmental influences, including family, peer groups, educational institutions, and digital media; 2) the Buddhist principles appropriate for promoting moral development among youth comprised the Five Precepts (Pañca-sīla), moral shame and moral dread (Hiri–Ottappa), mindfulness and clear comprehension (Sati–Sampajañña), wise reflection (Yonisomanasikāra), good friendship (Kalyāṇamittatā), and abstention from the Six Causes of Ruin (Apāyamukha 6). These principles collectively support youth development across behavioral, mental, cognitive, and social dimensions; and 3) moral development among youth should be promoted through a holistic approach involving cooperation among youth, families, educational institutions, communities, religious institutions, and the digital environment. The proposed developmental process consists of five stages: knowing what is right, thinking critically, exercising self-restraint, making appropriate choices, and consistently putting moral principles into practice.

The knowledge synthesized from the study was formulated as the 4D–5P Moral Youth Model. The model consists of four developmental dimensions—Behavioral Development, Mental Development, Cognitive Development, and Social Development—and five developmental processes—Perceive, Ponder, Pause, Pick, and Practice. The model seeks to shift moral promotion from merely teaching youth to recognize what is good toward developing their capacity to think critically, exercise self-control, make responsible decisions, and consistently translate moral principles into actual conduct.