Rule of Law Slump Threatens Thailand’s FDI and OECD Ambitions
Thailand’s slide down the global rankings in the Rule of Law Index poses a significant risk to the country’s economic ambitions, particularly its pursuit of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and its target to join the OECD by 2028.
Thailand's decline in global rankings for the Rule of Law Index threatens its economic aspirations, particularly its goal of attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and joining the OECD by 2028. The country's overall score of 0.50 out of 1.00 places it 10th in East Asia and the Pacific and 24th among upper-middle-income nations.
Only in the category of Order and Security did Thailand score above the global average at 0.75. In contrast, it lagged below the average in seven other assessed factors, including Criminal Justice (0.42), Absence of Corruption (0.44), Regulatory Enforcement (0.44), and Fundamental Rights (0.49).
The report, released by the World Justice Project (WJP) on October 24, 2026, notes a troubling five-year trend. Scores for "Absence of Corruption" dropped by 5.6%, while "Regulatory Enforcement" declined by 4.0% during this period. Both metrics saw direct declines between 2025 and 2026, with Corruption falling from 0.45 to 0.44 and Regulatory Enforcement dropping from 0.45 to 0.44.
Beyond these statistics, the report highlights a decline in freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and civic participation, placing Thailand among 86% of nations experiencing deterioration in anti-authoritarian mechanisms over the past five years.
Dr. Phiset Sa-ardyen, executive director of the Thailand Institute of Justice, emphasizes that a robust rule of law is not merely a legal concern but a cornerstone of economic prosperity. He stresses that clear rules, equal enforcement, and accessible dispute resolution are crucial for attracting FDI as Thailand pursues its objectives under the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan.
Addressing governance and justice gaps is essential for Thailand to reverse its declining trend and regain international confidence.
Written by urgent.news from Thailand Business News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
