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. 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. Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Business Association, said bribery is common in Thai tourist destinations, stemming from inefficient law enforcement structures. If the officers followed normal procedures, it would not have made the news or affected tourism sentiment, he said.

Source: Bangkok Post February 13, 2026 23:05 UTC