Thai PM orders anti-graft overhaul as index hits 19-year low
BANGKOK, Feb 12 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Thursday vowed to elevate anti-corruption efforts to a national agenda after Thailand’s score in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) plummeted to its lowest level in 19 years.
Thailand scored 33 out of 100 points, ranking 116th out of 182 countries, according to the latest report by Transparency International. The result marks a one-point drop from the previous year and the country's worst performance since the ranking began.
"The government is uneasy about these results. A score of 33 is considered a failing grade," Anutin told reporters. "We must use this as a catalyst to push for the greatest possible reform in our fight against corruption."
The Prime Minister ordered an immediate "cleansing" of the public sector and a comprehensive review of laws and regulations. The government’s response focuses on a multi-pronged overhaul, tasking legal experts to draft or amend legislation to increase transparency and improve the ease of doing business.
Anutin also directed agencies, including the anti-money laundering and civil service commissions, to expedite legal action against corrupt officials. Furthermore, he emphasized the need to strictly enforce the Licensing Facilitation Act to build confidence among investors and improve Thailand's international image.
Anutin, who also serves as Interior Minister, stressed that anti-corruption must remain an urgent policy for future administrations.
"We are determined to be an enemy of corruption," he said. "Public officials found guilty of malpractice will face the highest disciplinary and administrative penalties without exception."
