Several state agencies have refuted allegations of corruption and launched internal investigations after a business sector survey identifying high bribery risks prompted the government to pledge sweeping anti-graft reforms.
The controversy erupted after the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) released a nationwide survey of 401 business executives and representatives, conducted between March 26 and April 10, which found that 89.1% viewed corruption as a major obstacle to doing business in Thailand.
More than half of respondents said corruption had worsened over the past three years, while only 3% believed bureaucratic procedures had improved.
The survey identified highway and traffic police as the top agency with the highest bribery risk, while the Department of Pollution Control recorded the country's highest average bribe value at 102,160 baht per transaction.
Department of Pollution Control chief Surin Warakijthamrong demanded that the JSCCIB and participating organisations explain the survey methodology within seven days.
He said the findings lacked credibility and had damaged both the agency's reputation and staff morale. He questioned whether respondents had direct experience with the department and if accepted academic principles had been followed in participant selection and data analysis. He further noted the department's authority was limited to pollution inspections and environmental enforcement, with a maximum legal fine of 60,000 baht. "It is completely illogical to pay a bribe of 102,160 baht in exchange for a maximum fine of 60,000 baht," he said.
Other agencies named in the survey, including the Royal Forest Department, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and the Excise Department, also issued statements denying any policy tolerating bribery while promising disciplinary and criminal action against officials found guilty of misconduct.
Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn ordered investigations after the survey linked the Marine Department, Department of Highways and Department of Land Transport to bribery claims. He stressed transparency and good governance across all agencies and instructed the transport permanent secretary to examine the allegations in detail.
Police spokesperson Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwphan said the Royal Thai Police had acknowledged the corruption survey allegations involving highway, traffic and local police. He said National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch had ordered stricter oversight and warned that officers found demanding or accepting bribes would face disciplinary and criminal action without exception.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the issue would be raised at the next cabinet meeting, with ministries ordered to review the findings. "Thailand must overcome long-standing perceptions of corruption," he said, adding that repeated negative "digital footprints" could further damage public confidence despite stricter oversight and prosecutions in recent years.
Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt convened talks with business groups, anti-corruption organisations and academics at Government House yesterday, where he pledged stronger anti-graft measures as Thailand seeks membership of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
He said the government would accelerate the use of digital systems and artificial intelligence to reduce face-to-face contact and discretionary decision-making in state agencies.
