Bangkok: Thailand’s efforts to combat corruption have seen a significant decline, as the country dropped to 116th in the world according to the latest report from Transparency International. The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) revealed that Thailand scored a mere 33 out of 100, a decrease from the previous year’s score of 34. This marks the country’s lowest position in 19 years, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing corruption despite existing policies.
According to Thai News Agency, the drop in Thailand’s ranking reflects a broader regional trend, positioning the country 7th among ASEAN member nations. In stark contrast, Singapore leads the region with an impressive 84 points, placing it 3rd globally. Brunei follows with 63 points, while Malaysia ranks 3rd in ASEAN with a score of 52. Vietnam, Indonesia, and Laos also surpass Thailand, with Vietnam achieving 41 points and ranking 81st globally. Myanmar, however, records the lowest score in Southeast Asia with 16 points, ranking 169th globally. Thailand’s score is notably below both the Asia-Pacific average of 45 points and the global average of 42 points.
Globally, Denmark maintains its position as the leader in transparency with 89 points, followed by Finland at 88 points. Transparency International’s report emphasizes a concerning trend, noting a decline in the number of countries scoring above 80 over the past decade. This suggests an increased risk of corruption worldwide, even in democracies with established political systems. Furthermore, the report indicates that approximately two-thirds of countries globally scored below 50, reinforcing the pervasive nature of corruption challenges.