TESS: Country Report Summary – Thailand

Country Report Summary

Thailand

Anti Money Laundering

FATF status

Thailand is no longer on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies.

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

The last follow-up Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in Thailand was undertaken in 2023. According to that Evaluation, Thailand was deemed Compliant for 4 and Largely Compliant for 29 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It was also deemed Highly Effective for 0 and Substantially Effective for 4 with regard to the 11 areas of Effectiveness of its AML/CFT Regime.

Sanctions

There are no international sanctions currently in force against this country.

Bribery & Corruption

Rating: 0 (bad) - 100 (good)

Transparency International Corruption Index = 34

World Bank: Control of Corruption Percentile Rank = 36

Thailand ranks 108 out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, indicating significant corruption issues despite existing legal frameworks aimed at combating it. The Thai government has implemented various anti-corruption laws and initiatives, such as the Organic Law to Counter Corruption and the Integrity Pact, but enforcement remains weak, and bribery is prevalent in many sectors. U.S. firms are encouraged to adhere to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act to mitigate risks associated with corruption while operating in Thailand.

Economy

Thailand is classified as an upper middle-income country with a robust economy valued at half a trillion dollars, supported by pro-investment policies and advanced infrastructure. The civilian-led coalition government, following the May 2023 elections, has prioritized foreign direct investment and domestic stimulus as key components of its economic growth strategy, making Thailand a significant destination for international investment, particularly from U.S. companies.

Thailand has a generally favorable investment climate characterized by pro-investment policies and a well-developed infrastructure. The government actively promotes foreign direct investment, particularly through the Board of Investment (BOI), which offers various incentives and assistance to both domestic and foreign investors. Additionally, the U.S.-Thai Treaty of Amity provides U.S. investors with significant advantages, allowing them to operate on similar terms as Thai companies, although certain sectors remain restricted.