Bangkok: The Prime Minister admits he is uneasy about Thailand's failure on the corruption index and orders an urgent overhaul. The Prime Minister held a press conference admitting his unease after Thailand scored its lowest corruption index in 19 years. He ordered all agencies to urgently overhaul their systems, including reforming regulations and laws, and to elevate the issue to a national agenda.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul announced the results of Thailand's Corruption Perception Index (CPI) after Transparency International released its 2025 CPI index. Thailand scored only 33 out of 100, ranking 116th out of 182 countries worldwide. This is the lowest score in 19 years and the lowest ranking since the index began.
Mr. Anutin stated that the government was uneasy after receiving the latest CPI index report, in which Thailand scored 33 points, dropping to rank 116th, a decrease of 1 point from last year. This is considered a relatively low score and could be interpreted as indicating that Thailand is a country with high levels of corruption and low transparency. The government is not ignoring this issue and has already invited the Secretary-General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission to inquire about all the details.
'The government is concerned about the CPI score, which is considered a tool reflecting a country's image. A score of 33 is considered low; simply put, it's a failing grade. Therefore, we must urgently take action in every way possible, using this as the basis to push for reforms in Thailand's fight against corruption as much as we can,' said Mr. Anutin.
However, upon receiving the report, the government recognized the need for improvement and, acting as the previous administration, instructed Deputy Prime Minister Bowornsak Uwanno and the Secretary-General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), Bhumibol Kasemsuk, to expedite preparations for revising methods, laws, procedures, and regulations-whether in the form of new laws, regulations, ministerial decrees, royal decrees, or even new legislation-in order to effectively combat corruption in the country.
"The issue of corruption isn't just about bribing officials for convenience. It extends to reforming the approval and licensing system, which is crucial for building confidence among investors, businesspeople, and entrepreneurs, and for creating a positive image for Thailand. We must urgently enforce the Business Facilitation Act and assign a dedicated agency to handle this matter," said Mr. Anutin.
Mr. Anutin stated that the government has also instructed various agencies, such as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), the Civil Service Commission (CSC), and even the Board of Investment (BOI), to discuss and find ways to make these matters as transparent as possible. This includes assigning law enforcement agencies to take decisive action against those engaging in corruption and embezzlement, as well as urgently reforming the system of corruption in the public sector.
"If our existing laws are insufficient, we are ready to amend them. We hope that the next government will have a majority in the House of Representatives, and that all legislation requires approval from the Senate. The government is confident that if we enact or amend laws and regulations that require parliamentary approval, members of both houses will support them, especially on issues related to combating corruption."
The Prime Minister stated that the government is not merely ignoring this issue. Most recently, Thailand is accelerating its efforts to become a member of the OECD in order to raise standards of transparency in various transactions, thereby building further credibility for the country.
'Regarding corruption, it must be made concrete that no matter who forms the next government, the fight against corruption will be included as a priority policy of the government. From now on, the performance of duties by all government agencies must be swift, transparent, fair, and non-discriminatory. Those who violate these rules must face decisive administrative or disciplinary action. This government is committed to being an enemy of corruption, and we will elevate this issue to a national agenda,' said Mr. Anutin.