To align with the intense final phase of the election, we present a sharp article by Dr. Chawalit Lertbusayanukul, a cancer specialist from Chulalongkorn Hospital, who vividly compares "cancer" to "patriotism," supported by scientific indicators to help us decide before casting our votes on Sunday, 8 February 2026 GMT+7.
On a day when politicians try to divide the nation into "patriots" and "non-patriots," Dr. Chawalit notes that in medicine, when a patient consults a doctor, the first step is identifying "indicators." We measure the severity of cancer by its stage—how far it has spread—and by its grade to assess the aggressiveness of the cells.
But when it comes to "patriotism," what can we measure? There is no thermometer or scanner that can tell you if your patriotism is at stage 4 or grade A. Patriotism thus remains an abstract, intangible concept.
Dr. Chawalit attempts to decode the behavior of "cancer cells," whose nature is "corruption," hijacking the body's resources to feed only their own group, regardless of the body's well-being. If these cells are not eliminated, the body inevitably moves toward death. Therefore, true patriotism can be measured by acting "opposite" to cancer's behavior across five key dimensions:
1. Immunity to corruption (Civic Duty & Integrity)
Good cells respect rules and do not invade others' territory—this is the foundation of respecting laws and fulfilling civic duties. More deeply, "honesty" is crucial. In a healthy body, white blood cells eliminate foreign invaders. Similarly, patriots must have immunity against the virus called "corruption," whether in the form of small bribes or massive projects. Ignoring it allows cancerous cells to multiply and consume the nation.
2. Responsibility in one’s duties (Professional Integrity)
The most tangible patriotism is doing one's job to the best of one’s ability and upholding professional ethics. Politicians or civil servants must use budgets transparently, not embezzling funds. Behavior that siphons public resources for personal or factional gain under false pretenses is the clearest symptom of "cancer."
3. Public spirit (Public Mind)
Cancer hoards everything into its single tumor, but patriots think about distribution and sharing, like the circulatory system delivering blood evenly to keep the whole body strong.
4. Courage to diagnose (Constructive Criticism)
Many mistakenly think patriotism means praising and avoiding negative talk. But medically, if there is a tumor, we must bravely speak the truth and diagnose based on evidence to enable treatment. Similarly, patriots must courageously criticize wrongdoings and investigate irregularities promptly, rather than letting cancer spread beyond cure.
5. Flexibility and adaptability (Adaptability)
A healthy body adapts to the modern world, and so must the nation. Countries change over time; no generation occupies the body forever. New cells grow to replace old, deteriorating ones. Citizens must be aware of risks and motivated to reduce behaviors that might cause future malignancies.
Summary from the cancer specialist’s perspective
We cannot truly say we love our body if we keep feeding cancer cells with risky behaviors. Likewise, we cannot claim to love our nation if we accept or participate in corruption. Patriotism is not mere words uttered for votes; it is measured by "actions" past, present, and future.
"Patriotism" is measured by a pure heart and hands that do not row the boat for thieves. Ultimately, whether physical cancer or social cancer, the best vaccine begins with ourselves.
On Sunday, 8 February, the large malignant tumor eating away at our country will either be removed or continue to be nurtured. The answer lies in the hands of all of us.
Dr. Chawalit’s article is engaging and meaningful, especially forthose who are about to become cancer patients,are currently patients, and/or have had that malignant tissue removed. The largest malignant tumor consuming the country awaits the verdict on Sunday, 8 February.