Thailand Corruption & Tourism: Falling Rankings & Bribery Concerns

Thailand’s Tourism Sector Grapples with Rising Corruption Concerns

February 22, 2026 – Thailand’s tourism industry is facing increased scrutiny over pervasive corruption, with business leaders calling for urgent reforms to law enforcement and government processes. A recent drop in the country’s score on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) has amplified existing concerns about bribery and systemic inefficiencies impacting travelers and investors.

Thailand’s score in the 2025 CPI fell one point to 33 out of 100, resulting in a nine-place decline in its global ranking to 116th. This downturn reflects a growing perception of dishonesty and a lack of integrity within the public sector, according to experts who compile the index annually.

Chinnawat Udomniyom, President of the Phuket Boutique Accommodation Consortium, stated that the lower score directly mirrors anxieties within the tourism sector in Phuket. He specifically cited bribery and a perceived lack of effective law enforcement against criminal activity as key issues.

“Robust tourism in Phuket has attracted many businesses, including some that violate the law,” Udomniyom explained. He detailed common infractions, including entertainment venues operating beyond permitted hours, foreigners working without proper permits – as tour guides, drivers, or in the sex industry – and businesses operating illegally through the use of nominee owners.

These violations, Udomniyom argues, create opportunities for authorities to solicit and accept bribes, allowing illicit operations to continue unchecked. He advocates for the establishment of a dedicated working committee to address these problems with greater seriousness.

Udomniyom further suggested the development of new incentives and increased penalties to encourage compliance with regulations, thereby reducing opportunities for corrupt practices. “This could reduce opportunities for officers to collect bribes,” he said.

The problem isn’t isolated to Phuket. Sanga Ruangwattanakul, President of the Khao San Road Business Association, echoed these concerns, stating that bribery is commonplace in Thai tourist destinations. He attributed this to structural inefficiencies within law enforcement.

Ruangwattanakul also highlighted the cumbersome business licensing process as a contributing factor. He proposed streamlining the process into a more centralized, “one-stop service” to encourage legitimate registration and reduce the number of illegal operations. “Operating an entertainment venue requires applying for licenses at many organizations, which discourages some operators,” he explained.

He believes that resolving issues stemming from restrictions that should be legalized – bringing them “above ground” – alongside the vigorous prosecution of clearly illegal activities is crucial.

The concerns over corruption come as Thailand’s tourism sector experiences a slight downturn. According to the Tourism Ministry, the country welcomed 5.07 million foreign arrivals between January 1st and February 15th, a decrease of 7.59% compared to the same period last year.

The latest corruption ranking underscores the broader global challenges related to governance and transparency. While Thailand’s results have drawn attention, the CPI provides a wider snapshot of integrity issues facing nations worldwide. The index, compiled by experts, evaluates perceptions of public sector corruption based on surveys of business leaders, experts, and institutional data. Scores range from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean), ranking 182 countries and territories.

The global average score of 42 out of 100 indicates widespread perceived corruption, highlighting the need for governments to identify weaknesses, guide reforms, and improve transparency. The rankings serve as a critical tool for assessing governance and promoting integrity on a global scale.