Thailand Falls Further Behind Nordic and Regional Peers in Global Corruption Rankings
New Transparency International index places Thailand 116th with a lower score, underscoring governance challenges compared with Nordic and ASEAN economies
Thailand has slipped further behind many developed and regional peers in the latest global corruption index, reflecting persistent governance and public sector integrity issues.
According to the Corruption Perceptions Index for 2025 published by Transparency International, Thailand’s score dropped to 33 out of 100, leaving the country ranked 116th out of 182 countries and territories worldwide — down one place from the previous year and continuing a long-term downward trend in perceived public-sector transparency.
The report highlights a stark contrast with Nordic countries, which dominate the top of the ranking.
Denmark topped the index with a score of 89, followed closely by Finland on 88, while Norway, Sweden and other Nordic states also featured among the highest scores globally.
These rankings underscore the strength of institutional checks, independent justice systems and civic freedoms that support lower perceived corruption levels in those societies.
Within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Thailand now trails several neighbours, with Singapore ranking third globally with a score of 84 and Malaysia placed significantly higher at 54th.
Thailand’s score was also lower than those of Vietnam, Indonesia and even Laos in the latest assessment, although it remained above countries such as the Philippines, Cambodia and Myanmar.
Observers interpret Thailand’s position in the index as symptomatic of structural challenges in governance, including perceived undue influence in political decision-making, bureaucratic transparency weaknesses and limited public access to effective oversight mechanisms.
Experts stress that continued erosion of public sector integrity could weaken competitiveness, investor confidence and broader economic performance if not addressed with sustained reforms.
Regional and global anti-corruption advocates have underscored the importance of bolstering independent institutions, safeguarding civic space and expanding accountability frameworks to reverse the slide in perceptions of corruption.
Meanwhile, other countries that have prioritised transparency reforms continue to maintain or improve their rankings, illustrating the broad spectrum of outcomes reflected in the latest index.
According to the Corruption Perceptions Index for 2025 published by Transparency International, Thailand’s score dropped to 33 out of 100, leaving the country ranked 116th out of 182 countries and territories worldwide — down one place from the previous year and continuing a long-term downward trend in perceived public-sector transparency.
The report highlights a stark contrast with Nordic countries, which dominate the top of the ranking.
Denmark topped the index with a score of 89, followed closely by Finland on 88, while Norway, Sweden and other Nordic states also featured among the highest scores globally.
These rankings underscore the strength of institutional checks, independent justice systems and civic freedoms that support lower perceived corruption levels in those societies.
Within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Thailand now trails several neighbours, with Singapore ranking third globally with a score of 84 and Malaysia placed significantly higher at 54th.
Thailand’s score was also lower than those of Vietnam, Indonesia and even Laos in the latest assessment, although it remained above countries such as the Philippines, Cambodia and Myanmar.
Observers interpret Thailand’s position in the index as symptomatic of structural challenges in governance, including perceived undue influence in political decision-making, bureaucratic transparency weaknesses and limited public access to effective oversight mechanisms.
Experts stress that continued erosion of public sector integrity could weaken competitiveness, investor confidence and broader economic performance if not addressed with sustained reforms.
Regional and global anti-corruption advocates have underscored the importance of bolstering independent institutions, safeguarding civic space and expanding accountability frameworks to reverse the slide in perceptions of corruption.
Meanwhile, other countries that have prioritised transparency reforms continue to maintain or improve their rankings, illustrating the broad spectrum of outcomes reflected in the latest index.
