Anutin Orders Urgent Anti-Corruption Reforms After Thailand’s CPI Score Falls
Acting Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on February 12 pledged urgent legal and administrative reforms after Thailand scored 33 points and ranked 116th out of 182 countries in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), down one point from 34 in 2024.
Speaking at Government House alongside Acting Deputy Prime Minister Borwornsak Uwanno and the Secretary-General of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), Anutin described the result as relatively low and said the government would not ignore the issue. He assigned Borwornsak to accelerate a review and amendment of anti-corruption laws, regulations and procedures to ensure maximum effectiveness.
The prime minister said reforms would focus particularly on approval and licensing systems, which are key to boosting investor confidence and improving Thailand’s image. He ordered stricter enforcement of the Facilitation of Business Operations Act and instructed agencies including the PACC, Anti-Money Laundering Office, Office of the Public Sector Development Commission and Board of Investment to coordinate more closely and act decisively against corruption. Officials found abusing their authority would face disciplinary or administrative penalties, he said.
Anutin also said Thailand is accelerating efforts to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), arguing that membership would help raise transparency and governance standards. The government will also push ahead with a One Stop Service model to improve ease of doing business.
Meanwhile, People’s Party spokesperson Parit Wacharasindhu noted that Thailand’s score of 33 out of 100 is the lowest level in more than a decade and places the country seventh out of 10 ASEAN members. Although the CPI reflects conditions prior to the latest election, he said its release has intensified concerns about governance and accountability.
The People’s Party is preparing to propose a package of anti-corruption measures when parliament reconvenes, including legislation to expand public access to state data, reform licensing systems to reduce corruption risks, and constitutional amendments to strengthen public oversight of independent agencies such as the Election Commission and the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
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