Half of Thai Businesses Admit Paying Bribes, Survey Finds

Nearly half of Thai businesses admit to paying bribes or providing benefits to government officials in order to simplify business procedures, according to a new survey conducted by Thailand’s Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB).

The study was carried out by the committee’s analytical division as part of its Zero Corruption campaign during March and April 2026. A total of 401 business executives and company representatives participated in the survey.

According to the findings, 51.2% of respondents said corruption in Thailand has worsened compared to three years ago, while only 0.3% believed the situation had improved.

Thai media noted that this effectively means 205 respondents reported worsening corruption, while only one person said conditions had improved.

The survey also found that around 59% of participants viewed corruption as a serious or very serious obstacle to doing business. Another 30% described it as a moderate problem, while only 10% said it was not an obstacle.

At the same time, 89% of respondents said corruption negatively affects businesses to some extent.

Among the key findings:

• 60.9% of business executives said they encountered hints or direct requests for personal “compensation” during recent interactions involving government permits or approvals.

• 45.9% admitted their companies had provided money, gifts, or other material benefits to officials in order to facilitate services.

• 37.3% stated that obtaining government contracts in their industry typically requires kickbacks worth 11–15% of the contract value.

• 27.3% reported receiving suggestions or recommendations related to securing state contracts through payments.

• 52.3% said they lacked confidence in official government channels for reporting corruption.

• 43.7% stated they were unwilling to report corruption even when they encountered it.

The survey also examined the most common forms of bribery.

Cash payments were identified as the most widespread method, accounting for 46.6% of cases. Gifts and entertainment followed at 23.1%, while donations and sponsorships accounted for 18.7%.

Business operators cited several main reasons for paying bribes, including complicated procedures (29.1%), laws with excessive room for interpretation (25%), and resolving regulatory violations (18.8%).

According to JSCCIB, the findings reflect growing concern within Thailand’s private sector that corruption creates hidden business costs and weakens the country’s international competitiveness.

The committee did not issue specific recommendations for companies seeking to reduce corruption-related expenses.

In the latest Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International, Thailand received a score of 33 out of 100, ranking 116th globally.

Despite the low ranking, Thailand still placed above several countries in the region and former Soviet sphere, including Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan. Among Thailand’s geographic neighbors, only the Philippines, Myanmar, and Cambodia ranked lower.