Call for police reform to boost tourism

Businesses say law enforcement corruption is hurting hotspots and needs to end

- MOLPASORN SHOOWONG

Tourism operators are urging the government to reform law enforcement and regulation, as businesses and tourists suffer from worsening bribery issues, hampering the nation’s tourism reputation.

Thailand’s score in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index fell one point to 33 out of 100 points, while its global ranking was down nine places to 116th.

Chinnawat Udomniyom, president of the Phuket Boutique Accommodation Consortium, said the poor corruption score was a mirror of tourism concerns in Phuket, such as bribery and a lack of law enforcement against criminals.

He said robust tourism in Phuket had attracted many businesses, including some that violate the law.