PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand’s private sector has urged voters to support political parties with clear, enforceable anti-corruption policies, warning that corruption continues to impose hidden costs on businesses and undermine competitiveness, including in key tourism hubs such as Pattaya.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) said clean governance is essential for reducing inefficiencies, improving investor confidence, and supporting sustainable economic growth. The committee stressed that corruption not only affects national policy but has direct, everyday impacts at the local level, where businesses face delays, informal payments, and inconsistent enforcement.
JSCCIB, which comprises the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries, and the Thai Bankers’ Association, reported progress under its Zero Corruption initiative through collaboration with the “Mai Thon” (No Tolerance) network. It thanked political parties for incorporating anti-corruption commitments into election campaigns, debates, and public messaging, noting growing public awareness of the issue.
The committee cited survey findings showing that 97 percent of businesses and 72 percent of the public view corruption as a serious problem. Many respondents also pointed to a persistent gap between campaign promises and actual implementation once governments take office.
In Pattaya, business operators have long raised concerns that corruption-related costs affect tourism, real estate development, licensing, and enforcement consistency, weakening the city’s competitiveness compared with regional rivals. JSCCIB noted that tackling corruption would help reduce operational uncertainty for small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in service-driven economies dependent on tourism and foreign investment.
Beyond elections, the private sector said it remains committed to sustained action through public forums, surveys, campaigns, and multi-channel communication to promote zero tolerance for corruption. JSCCIB plans to integrate anti-corruption standards into business practices and policy advocacy, while also cooperating on related issues such as scam networks and electoral malpractice.
The committee announced that a post-election briefing will present findings on bribery in business licensing processes, aimed at encouraging the next government to prioritize anti-corruption reforms and take concrete, measurable action.
The Zero Corruption network now includes 26 public and private organizations, working with partners such as the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand, the Collective Action Coalition Against Corruption, and the Thailand Institute of Justice, alongside enforcement agencies and business associations nationwide.
