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.

Thailand is once again grappling with severe air pollution, as a toxic haze blankets much of the country. As of February 12, 2025, unsafe levels of ultrafine dust have spread across 48 out of 76 Thai provinces, including Bangkok, raising serious health concerns.

Widespread PM2.5 Pollution

Health Hazards Across Regions

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) reported hazardous levels of PM2.5 in seven provinces, primarily in the Central Plain. Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, and Nakhon Pathom topped the list with PM2.5 levels ranging from 75.1 to 90.8 micrograms per cubic meter, far exceeding the government-set safe threshold of 37.5μg/m3.

Bangkok’s Air Quality Crisis

Capital City Struggles with Smog

Bangkok, the capital, has been particularly hard-hit by the pollution crisis. The city recently ranked as the fourth most polluted globally, prompting authorities to close over 350 schools to protect children’s health. The air quality index (AQI) in Bangkok reached 114, considered unhealthy for vulnerable groups.

Government Response

Measures to Combat Air Pollution

In response to the worsening air quality, the Thai government has implemented several measures. These include a nationwide burning ban to control pollution at its source, deployment of emergency medical teams, and distribution of N95 masks to the public. Additionally, free public transportation was offered in Bangkok to reduce vehicle emissions.

Long-term Challenges

Persistent Environmental Concerns

Despite government efforts, air pollution remains a chronic problem in Thailand, especially from February to May. The situation has led to over 1 million respiratory cases linked to air pollution in the past year, highlighting the urgent need for more effective long-term solutions.

International Concern

UNICEF Warns of Health Risks

UNICEF has raised alarm over the escalating levels of PM2.5, warning that approximately 13.6 million children across Thailand are at risk. This underscores the critical need for immediate action to safeguard public health, particularly for vulnerable populations.