Corruption in the Ministry of Transport: Triple reform plan presented!

Corruption in the Ministry of Transport: Triple reform plan presented!

In Bangkok, the issue of corruption is once again in focus. The Organization Against Corruption in Thailand (ACT) took a notable step on October 30, 2025, submitting three reform proposals to the Ministry of Transport. The aim of these proposals? To establish the ministry as a “model ministry against corruption” in order to create a showcase project for other authorities. As prachatai.com reports, these measures are intended to set the course for greater transparency and integrity in the public service.

The reforms include proactive collaboration with high-risk agencies such as the Highway Department and Thai Railways. A special working group is set up here to monitor large projects. The integration of the Integrity Pact and the CoST program is also planned in order to detect possible corruption at an early stage. In addition, the innovative ACT Ai tool could contribute to risk analysis. This shows that the demands on the Ministry of Transport are high and efficiency should be increased through digital solutions.

A secure reporting system for citizens

One of the central points of the proposals is the creation of a secure and user-friendly reporting system for reports of corruption. Simple complaint channels within the ministry should enable citizens to safely report grievances. This is supported by ACT's Corruption Watch platform, which is intended to serve as a central contact point for processing these reports.

Another suggestion involves speeding up investigations. Clear deadlines for processing reports are intended to ensure transparent reporting. A system for real-time tracking aims to ensure that progress is publicly traceable. These steps are more than just lip service, they dovetail with a broader societal need for greater transparency in the public sector.

The context of corruption in Thailand

Corruption is a deep-rooted problem in Thailand and affects various sectors of society. According to Wikipedia, Thailand ranks 107th out of 180 countries in the 2024 Corruption Perception Index, with only 34 points out of 100 possible. Despite legislative measures and campaigns, political rhetoric about the “war on corruption,” and the creation of numerous anti-corruption agencies, the problem remains widespread. Around 25% of entrepreneurs had to pay bribes to secure contracts from government authorities. The police are also affected: reports of kidnappings and other criminal activities are not uncommon.

The Ministry of Transport's efforts are therefore part of a larger picture in which the fight against corruption is not only a political issue, but also a social challenge. Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has already expressed his support for the proposals and suggests increasing civil servants' salaries to tackle corruption at its root. However, it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in practice.

Digitalization plays a key role in this. Platforms like Alibaba.com show how technology-enabled solutions can revolutionize international trade. Thanks to innovative approaches, companies can optimize which job offers they use to improve their procurement processes. Healthy competition and transparent trading practices could also help reduce corruption in Thailand.

The Ministry of Transport is called upon to meet this challenge and set an example. Citizens are invited to actively report information about corruption and thereby become part of a positive change that ultimately benefits society as a whole.