Corruption in Thailand's public sector results in an estimated loss of Bt500 billion yearly, as reported by the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT). The losses stem from schemes like cheating the state, extorting businesses, and internal bribery. This issue continues to impact Thailand's ranking in global corruption indexes, with the latest Corruption Perceptions Index showing the country's ranking at 116 out of 182, a decrease from the previous year.

Get today's headlines by email

The ACT’s estimate, presented by Secretary-General Mana Nimitmongkol, relies on various studies, including historical research and the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce's index. Mana categorizes the corruption into three areas: cheating the state, cheating the people, and internal bureaucracy corruption, causing extensive financial and societal damage. The losses include procurement kickbacks, inappropriate public-private partnerships, and embezzlement.

Experts note the widespread nature of corruption, impacting everything from illegal economies to routine transactions with public agencies. Bribes extracted from illicit operations, such as gambling and trafficking, and everyday dealings create substantial losses. Internal bureaucracy corruption, like the sale of positions and influence-trading, poses significant threats to governance and institutional integrity.

Moving forward, tackling corruption remains crucial for Thailand to improve its international standing and economic health. The government allocates substantial resources to anti-corruption bodies, yet concerns about effectiveness and political involvement persist. Systemic changes and increased transparency may be necessary to address both petty and major corruption, reported The Nation.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Nation · 25 Mar 2026

View full article

Then there's the money required to tackle the problem of corruption, which probably isn't included in the estimated Bt 500 billion loss.

"Cost". Cost who, exactly. The small-scale corruption occurs because low ranks are paid too little. The bigger corruption makes it hard to trace. Except for Joe Ferrari.

The bigger corruption occurs in every country, including all our vaunted Western democracies. Sometimes they're call lobyists, sometimes PACs & Super PACS.

25 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

"Cost". Cost who, exactly. The small-scale corruption occurs because low ranks are paid too little. The bigger corruption makes it hard to trace. Except for Joe Ferrari.

The bigger corruption occurs in every country, including all our vaunted Western democracies. Sometimes they're call lobyists, sometimes PACs & Super PACS.

At least corruption here is accessible to everyone regardless of their social background, slightly balancing the huge gap between the wealthy and the other (main) part of the population. Unlike the so-called western social democracies where the poor and middle class are struggling contributing till death to the system with little to no access to corruption/lobbying.