Thailand's Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) and the Zero Corruption Organization have identified the top 10 most corrupt state agencies, highlighting serious bribery issues. According to the findings, 89.1% of business respondents view corruption as a significant obstacle to conducting business in the country. The report details bribes ranging from 67,500 baht to 102,160 baht for various 'special services.'
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The list is led by the Pollution Control Department, with an average bribe demand of 102,160 baht. The Marine Department and Excise Department also feature prominently with hefty bribes reported. The full list is as follows:
Pollution Control Department: 102,160 baht
Marine Department: 100,000 baht
Excise Department: 94,667 baht
Revenue Department: 89,498 baht
Justice System (excluding courts): 88,750 baht
Food and Drugs Administration/Public Health: 74,643 baht
Highways Department: 70,167 baht
Department of Public Works, Town and Country Planning: 70,000 baht
Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation: 68,000 baht
Forest Department: 67,500 baht
Businesses seeking licenses frequently encounter requests for bribes, with 60.9% reporting such approaches, and 46.9% admitting compliance. For government projects, under-the-table commissions of 11-15% are common, with cash, gifts, or sponsorships being the primary forms of payment.
The complexity of bureaucratic procedures (29.11%), legal loopholes (25%), and the avoidance of penalties (18.8%) are cited as key reasons for paying bribes. Lack of transparency in government bidding processes is another concern, with 27.3% of companies approached by intermediaries promising favorable outcomes.
Moreover, the survey reveals a deep-seated mistrust in the government's whistle-blower systems, as 52.3% of respondents lack confidence, and 43.7% are hesitant to report corrupt activities. This pervasive distrust underscores the challenges in combating corruption effectively.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Thai PBS · 15 May 2026
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