Corruption continues to be a significant concern in the Asia-Pacific region, as highlighted in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) report by Transparency International, released on February 10, 2026. The region’s average score remains stagnant at 45 out of 100, indicating little progress in tackling corruption over the last decade. Thailand, in particular, has seen a decline, scoring 33/100 and ranking 116th out of 182 countries, a drop from its 2024 position.
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The CPI report evaluates public-sector corruption perceptions, using a scale from 0 (high corruption) to 100 (very clean). Thailand's score has progressively decreased from a score of 36 in 2022, having fluctuated between 35 and 38 from 2012 to 2021. Within ASEAN, Thailand's score lags behind countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam, but fares better than Cambodia and Myanmar.
This downward trend is not unique to Thailand; Mongolia also reflects poor perceptions with a score of 31/100. Issues such as eroding rule of law and restricted public freedoms contribute to this sentiment. Conversely, some countries, including Bhutan, Brunei, and Laos, have shown improvements, attaining statistically significant gains since 2012.
Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia continue to lead in the region, ranking 3rd, 4th, and 12th globally. However, countries like Afghanistan, Myanmar, and North Korea lie at the bottom, with scores around 15-16/100. The report notes that 21 of 31 regional countries fall below the global average score, with major democracies like India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia scoring poorly.
Growing dissatisfaction is evident as youth across the region increasingly protest against perceived weak governance and inadequate accountability. In climate-vulnerable Philippines, allegations regarding flood-relief corruption incited public anger. Similarly, violent responses to protests in Indonesia led to casualties, highlighting the severe societal impacts of corruption.
Looking forward, addressing these issues requires comprehensive reforms. The report suggests strengthening governance and fostering transparency to improve perceptions. Regional collaboration and strong anti-corruption measures could pave the way for future improvements, reported The Nation.
Key Takeaways
Transparency International's latest CPI reveals persistent corruption in Asia-Pacific.
Thailand and Mongolia show declining scores, with young people demanding change.
ASEAN leaders like Singapore maintain high rankings while others trail significantly.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Nation · 11 Feb 2026
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