University governance and disciplinary accountability: Legal measures following National Anti-Corruption Commission findings at Mahasarakham University, Thailand

This study examined university governance and disciplinary accountability following findings of misconduct by Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), focusing on Mahasarakham University. Documentary and doctrinal legal research methods were employed, incorporating legal content analysis, judicial case analysis, and cross-case comparison. The materials included constitutional provisions, anti-corruption legislation, higher education personnel regulations, university disciplinary rules, and relevant Administrative Court decisions. The findings revealed that disciplinary accountability operates through interconnected national and institutional legal frameworks. Judicial analysis identified significant issues concerning the binding effects of NACC determinations, the statutory limits of investigative authority, the legal elements of corruption, and the validity of university disciplinary orders. The decisions demonstrated that administrative irregularities do not automatically constitute corruption and that disciplinary sanctions must comply with the applicable statutory and procedural requirements. The study recommends clarifying institutional disciplinary authority, establishing standardized administrative procedures, strengthening legal review mechanisms, and improving the protection of personnel rights. The findings contribute to understanding the relationship between external anti-corruption oversight and institutional governance in public higher education.