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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Best example how rotten the country is at this moment are the last elections....Is this theresult or policy to tackle more corruption by the Government in the past years????

Not surprising for any foreigner who has already dealt with Thailand's finest, at any Police road block or some government offices or at immigration offices.

Not suprised corruption greases the wheels here and it wont changes soon

They say that when you are at the bottom, the only way is up further down apparently!

Corruption in these countries including Thailand is endemic, it has been for a very long time and will be extremely difficult to remove!

Good news is that Thailand is less corrupt than Somalia!

Haha, falling behind Laos in the corruption index... that's laughably bad. Way-to-go Thailand.

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The CPI report evaluates public-sector corruption perceptions, using a scale from 0 (high corruption) to 100 (very clean).

A cleanliness score, not a corruption score.

Thailand does have nice food though.

Best countries for food in the world, 2025.

1. 🇹🇭 Thailand
2. 🇮🇹 Italy
3. 🇯🇵 Japan
4. 🇻🇳 Vietnam
5. 🇪🇸 Spain
6. 🇳🇿 New Zealand
7. 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
8. 🇬🇷 Greece
9. 🇿🇦 South Africa
10. 🇵🇪 Peru (tied)
10. 🇲🇻 Maldives (tied)
12. 🇨🇴 Colombia
13. 🇲🇦 Morocco (tied)
13. 🇫🇷 France (tied)
15. 🇹🇷 Turkey

(Condé Nast Traveller – Readers Choice Awards 2025)

Ouch.

It'll be interesting to see how Thailand spins this one.

TBH, I don't think tourists and expats care as much as foreign businesses that are subject to FCPA laws or the equivalent.

On 2/12/2026 at 3:31 AM, Sir Dude said:

Haha, falling behind Laos in the corruption index... that's laughably bad. Way-to-go Thailand.

Maybe Thailand appears better than others because they bribed the organisers and compilers of the information !!

On 2/11/2026 at 9:08 PM, SingAPorn said:

Not surprising for any foreigner who has already dealt with Thailand's finest, at any Police road block or some government offices or at immigration offices.

You mean like minor fines compared to massive western ones.

I would just like to remind members that Thailand is still perfectly safe to "invest" in.

Yes, move you life savings here. Buy a property that you can never truly own, and forget about any reasonable pathway to PR or citizenship.

Remember, if everyone else is doing it, it must be ok. Right? 😂

On 2/11/2026 at 7:53 PM, Purdey said:

Thailand does have nice food though.

Best countries for food in the world, 2025.

1. 🇹🇭 Thailand
2. 🇮🇹 Italy
3. 🇯🇵 Japan
4. 🇻🇳 Vietnam
5. 🇪🇸 Spain
6. 🇳🇿 New Zealand
7. 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
8. 🇬🇷 Greece
9. 🇿🇦 South Africa
10. 🇵🇪 Peru (tied)
10. 🇲🇻 Maldives (tied)
12. 🇨🇴 Colombia
13. 🇲🇦 Morocco (tied)
13. 🇫🇷 France (tied)
15. 🇹🇷 Turkey

(Condé Nast Traveller – Readers Choice Awards 2025)

replace Japan with Mexico who is missing from the list which makes it a laughable and egregious to begin with!!

New Zealand, Maldives and Sri Lanka??? 🤣

On 2/11/2026 at 5:12 PM, snoop1130 said:

Thailand, in particular, has seen a decline, scoring 33/100

In the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International, Russia scored 22 out of 100. So Thailand is pursuing trade with an even more corrupt nation. What could be better for Thailand's international security?

Come on Thailand, you can do much better!