Marking a decade and a half of cultivating civic virtue, the Thailand Moral Center held its flagship Thailand Moral Awards 2025 ceremony at the Thailand Cultural Center on Aug. 28.
Convened under the evocative theme “Goodness Passed On, Power to Transform Society,” the annual national platform honored 109 exemplary individuals, organizations, and creative projects whose quiet dedication provides a moral compass for the nation.
Presiding over the ceremony, Privy Councillor Air Chief Marshal Chalit Phukphasuk conferred the honors alongside key national figures, including Minister of Culture Sabida Thaiseth; Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, Chairperson of the Thailand Moral Center and prominent Catholic business executive; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suriyadeo Tripathi, Director of the Thailand Moral Center.
A Tapestry of Virtuous Action
The 2025 awards reflected the diverse landscapes where morality takes root in modern Thai society. A total of 109 awards were bestowed across three primary domains:
∙ Media Categories (57 Awards): Recognizing creative excellence across eight mediums—drama, film, advertising, music, radio, television, literature, and digital media—that harness storytelling to elevate public values.
∙ Individual Categories (25 Awards): Honoring citizens whose daily lives demonstrate integrity, self-sacrifice, and public service.
∙ Community and Organizational Categories (27 Awards): Celebrating grassroots groups and institutions driving systematic, positive social change.
Among the prominent individual honorees were Bishop Joseph Chusak Sirisuth, Secretary-General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT) and Episcopal Chairman for Inter-Religious Affairs, alongside a distinguished cohort of Catholic priests and religious sisters. Their recognition underscored the vital role of faith-based communities in building cross-cultural harmony.
From Recognition to National Movement
Addressing the assembly, Privy Councillor Air Chief Marshal Chalit emphasized that while society continually evolves, fundamental morality remains the unshakeable foundation of a resilient nation.
“The awards received today are not the end of success, but the beginning of continuing to do good and spreading inspiration even wider in society,” Air Chief Marshal Chalit stated, reminding honorees that virtue is defined by sustained action rather than static titles.
Minister of Culture Sabida Thaiseth highlighted the awards’ power to illuminate quiet acts of righteousness, bringing untold stories of sacrifice into the public conscience to inspire the next generation.
Supporting this vision, Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul noted that lasting social progress requires a robust network of partners—spanning government bodies, private enterprises, civil society, religious institutions, and educational networks.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suriyadeo Tripathi, leading the Thailand Moral Center on its 15th anniversary, framed the event as a dynamic movement rather than a mere ceremonial milestone:
“Goodness can flourish everywhere, and everyone can be a part of social change. The Center serves as a bridge connecting knowledge and networks so that moral values are integrated directly into the daily lives, work, and coexistence of our people.”
Faith in Action: Living the Calling
For the faith leaders recognized at the ceremony, the national award served as a poignant reminder of their deeper spiritual commission.
Reflecting on the honor, Fr. Chalongrath Sang Karat of the Archdiocese of Bangkok paid tribute to his formative influences, citing the historical legacy of French missionary Bro. François Touvenet Hilaire of Assumption College.
Fr. Chalongrath emphasized that true moral leadership in education requires creating safe, inclusive spaces where teachers act as “moral coaches”—nurturing students without discrimination, modeling lifelong learning, and inspiring active citizenship.
For the religious sisters honored, the award reflected a quiet commitment to the common good. As one religious sister gently observed, promoting morality remains the natural expression of a life anchored in faith:
“Moral behavior is not a performance for worldly recognition, but a natural reflection of faith and journey toward eternity. The world seeks awards and temporary validation; Christians seek treasures in heaven and God’s approval.”
As the Thailand Moral Center enters its 16th year, the 2025 awards recognized individuals, organizations and creative projects from sectors including media, education, religious institutions and community organizations.
Organizers said the program aims to promote moral values and encourage wider participation in social development.
