Right Speech (Samm?v?c?): A Buddhist Ethics Approach to Addressing Social Divisions Caused by Unmindful Communication in Thai Society

Abstract

This article aims to examine the application of the Four Right Speeches as a means of addressing social division in Thai society, which has been significantly influenced by unmindful communication. The Four Right Speeches consist of refraining from false speech, divisive speech, harsh speech, and idle chatter, and function as an ethical framework within Buddhist moral philosophy for regulating verbal conduct in society. In the contemporary Thai context, particularly with the transition into the digital age, patterns of communication have rapidly transformed alongside advancements in information technology.

In the digital era, the role of the audience is no longer confined to passive reception of information; individuals simultaneously function as both message receivers and senders, engaging in continuous interaction through social media platforms. This environment enables the rapid dissemination of opinions and information without systematic verification or ethical oversight (Waraporn Damchap, 2017). Consequently, communication characterized by a lack of mindfulness, emotional regulation, and responsibility has increasingly contributed to conflict at the individual, familial, and societal levels.

The findings indicate that the Four Right Speeches can be effectively applied as an ethical guideline for fostering a culture of honest, polite, and meaningful communication. Such an approach serves as a foundational mechanism for promoting mutual understanding, trust, and social harmony in Thai society within the context of the digital age.