IBSC Supports NRCT Research Project Through Focus Group Discussion on Academic Integrity Development in Thai Universities

On Wednesday, 20 May 2026, a focus group discussion was conducted under the research project funded by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), entitled “The Development of a Prototype Office for Enhancing Students’ Academic Competency to Promote Academic Integrity in Thai Universities” (Year 3). The project is led by Professor Dr. Sataporn Roengtam of Mahidol University as the principal investigator, with Professor Dr. Wanchai Vatanasapt serving as the project advisor. The research project has continuously received support from the administration of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.

The activity was graciously hosted and supported by the International Buddhist Studies College (IBSC), Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, in terms of venue, personnel, and participating students. The administrators of IBSC, together with the deputy directors for administration and academic affairs, kindly facilitated and supported the successful organization of the event.

The activity was coordinated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Khantong Wattanapradith, one of the collaborating researchers within the university research network.

The research team also expressed their sincere appreciation to the faculty members and staff who contributed to the activity, including Phramaha Siriwat Pannavuddho (Suwannatrai), acting director, Office of Academic Affairs; Dr. Sakchai Sakabucha,

Director for B.A. Buddhist Studies Program; Dr. Natapat Ampan, Lecturer, Program Secretary; and Phra. Dhammanan Parisuddhajayo, Dr., Lecturer, as well as all student representatives who actively participated in the discussion and provided valuable insights beneficial to the research project.

The focus group discussion emphasized the development of a deeper understanding of issues related to academic dishonesty in higher education institutions, including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on student learning and academic work. As part of the next phase of the study, the research team will distribute anonymous standardized self-assessment questionnaires to first- and second-year undergraduate students. The collected data will be analyzed and used to design activities that are aligned with the context of IBSC, with the ultimate goal of developing a prototype organization that promotes academic integrity at the university level.