Bangkok: The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) revealed that nearly 90% of businesses identify corruption as a major obstacle.
According to Thai News Agency, a survey conducted by JSCCIB showed that over 60% of businesses have been asked to pay bribes for government permits, and almost half admitted to offering money or benefits to officials. Highway police and traffic police were often targeted for bribes, while the Pollution Control Department received the highest value offers. The survey urged the government to prioritize bureaucratic reforms and enhance transparency in government operations.
The Joint Committee of the Three Private Sector Institutions (JCC) highlighted these issues through their Zero Corruption Working Group, which conducted the "Survey of the Private Sector's Opinions on Transparency in Government Operations." The survey sampled 401 business executives nationwide between March 26 and April 10, 2026.
Mr. Poj Aramwattananon, Chairman of the Zero Corruption Working Group, stated that the survey aims to highlight corruption issues and gather policy proposals for the government. This comes after the Prime Minister's announcement of a serious anti-corruption policy. The findings will be presented to oversight agencies like the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to develop collaborative measures against corruption.
Persistent corruption hampers national development and the promotion of new S-Curve industries, affecting foreign investor confidence and Thailand's potential membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The working group plans to meet with Deputy Prime Minister Pakit Nilapraphan to discuss legal solutions and reduce discretionary power by officials.
The statement also assured that private entities disclosing corruption will be protected and that coordination with auditing agencies is in place for secure complaint handling. The media is asked to aid in fostering a culture of intolerance towards corruption, protecting national interests, and securing the future of Thai youth.
Mr. Thanawat Pholvichai, President of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, revealed that 89.1% of businesses see corruption as a significant obstacle, with 51.2% noting a worsening situation over the past three years. Additionally, 51% found dealings with government agencies increasingly difficult.
The survey found that 60.9% of businesses seeking government permits were implicitly asked for bribes, and 45.9% admitted to offering money or benefits to officials. Furthermore, 37.3% of industries reported needing to pay extra to secure government contracts, accounting for 11-15% of the contract value, with cash being the most common form of bribery.
The top agencies where bribes were offered include the Highway Police and Traffic Police, followed by the justice system, Sub-district Administrative Organizations (SAOs), the Marine Department, and the Department of Highways. The highest average bribe values were reported in the Pollution Control Department, Marine Department, Excise Department, Revenue Department, and the justice system.
Mr. Mana Nimitmongkol, Secretary-General of the Anti-Corruption Organization (Thailand) (ACT), stated that bribery in government agencies is a deeply rooted issue affecting Thailand's image among foreign investors. He urged the government to expedite project and budget information disclosure, transition permitting processes online, develop secure complaint channels, ensure public participation in procurement, enforce laws equally, and promote honesty within government agencies to sustainably reduce corruption.