Laos Overtakes Thailand in Corruption Rankings for the First Time
Laos has made significant strides in its fight against corruption, achieving its best ranking in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). For the first time, Laos has surpassed Thailand in the rankings, earning a score of 34 points.
Key Developments in the 2025 Corruption Rankings
In the latest CPI, Laos increased its score from 33 in 2024 and saw a remarkable rise from 28 in 2023. This year, it ranks 114th out of 182 countries surveyed. The CPI assesses countries on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean), highlighting the varied perceptions of public sector corruption.
Comparison with Regional Neighbors
- Laos: 34 points, ranked 114th.
- Thailand: Experienced a decline amid political turmoil.
- Philippines: Stays behind Laos with a score of 32.
- Southeast Asia leaders:
- Singapore: 84 points, ranked 3rd globally.
- Brunei: 63 points.
- Timor-Leste: 44 points.
- Vietnam: 41 points.
- Cambodia: 20 points.
- Myanmar: 16 points, lowest in the region.
Global Context of Corruption
Denmark leads the global rankings with a score of 90, followed by Finland at 88 and Singapore at 84. In contrast, Somalia and South Sudan share the lowest score of 9. The 2025 CPI report indicates pervasive corruption is a global issue, with many democracies facing declining anti-corruption measures.
Challenges Ahead for Laos
Despite its progress, Laos remains below the critical threshold of 50 points, which signifies serious corruption issues. The government’s pursuit of systemic reforms is essential for sustainable improvements. Additionally, Laos aims to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, imposed due to concerns over financial crimes.
These developments come as the country gears up for elections on 22 February 2025. To ensure genuine progress, Laos must foster transparency, strengthen institutional frameworks, and safeguard media freedoms.
