Thailand’s score in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) has dropped to 34 from 35 the previous year, despite a slight improvement in its global ranking. This development highlights the ongoing challenges in the country’s fight against corruption.

Global Rankings and Regional Performance

Thailand’s Position in ASEAN and Worldwide

In the global context, Thailand now ranks 107th out of 180 countries, sharing this position with Algeria, Brazil, Malawi, Nepal, and Niger. Within the ASEAN region, Thailand holds the fifth position, with Singapore leading the pack and Myanmar at the bottom.

Historical Context and Trends

A Decade of Fluctuating Scores

Over the past ten years, Thailand’s best CPI score was 38, achieved in both 2014 and 2015. The country’s performance has been inconsistent, with rankings varying widely depending on other nations’ scores. For instance, in 2022, Thailand jumped nine places to 101st despite only a one-point increase in its score.

Factors Influencing the Score

Perceived Lack of Transparency and Efficiency

The lower score in 2024 is attributed to evaluators’ concerns about the lack of transparency in government spending. Issues such as populist policies, personal gain from budgets, and inefficient resource allocation have negatively impacted Thailand’s image in terms of governance and integrity.

Business Environment and Corruption

Increased Perception of Corruption Risks

Investors doing business in Thailand have reported an increased risk of facing demands for bribes from government officials. Despite the government’s efforts to establish laws aimed at facilitating approval processes, experts believe these problems have not been effectively resolved.

Anti-Corruption Measures and Challenges

Need for Stronger Enforcement and Accountability

Evaluators have noted that the Thai government has not displayed sufficient efforts in addressing corruption. The country still lacks effective mechanisms to quickly investigate, prosecute, or punish corrupt officials, and there is a perceived lack of compensation for damages caused by corruption.

Global Context and Top Performers

Denmark Leads, While Others Struggle

In the global arena, Denmark topped the 2024 CPI with a score of 90, followed by Finland and Singapore. The survey reveals that corruption levels have stagnated or worsened in 148 countries, with the global average score remaining at 43.

Implications and Future Outlook

Call for Strengthened Anti-Corruption Efforts

Thailand’s slip in the CPI score underscores the need for more robust and effective anti-corruption measures. Improving transparency, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, and fostering a culture of integrity in both public and private sectors will be crucial for Thailand to enhance its performance in future corruption perception indices.