Port Authority Refutes Private Sector Poll, Denies Ranking Second for Bribery Amounts, Asserts Transparency and Accountability
Thailand's Port Authority rejected a private sector survey ranking it second for bribery amounts, citing its 287,000 annual transactions processed through electronic systems designed to reduce corruption since 2015.
On May 15, 2024, the Port Authority of Thailand clarified its mission to provide water transport services with transparency and accountability in accordance with good governance principles. A joint private sector committee comprising the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Thai Industries, and Thai Bankers Association, working with the Zero Corruption initiative, surveyed 401 business executives and representatives nationwide between March 26 and April 10, 2024, revealing that the Port Authority ranked fourth in rates of bribery solicitation at 90 percent and second in average bribe values at 100,000 baht per transaction.
The Port Authority explained that it handles licensing, certification, and permits for maritime and water transport services, including vessel registration, maritime permits, and navigation authorizations. In fiscal year 2024, the department processed 287,427 service transactions, including 42,788 vessel registrations, 36,021 maritime certificates, 12,818 crew member documents, 53,364 vessel inspections, 40,554 piloting services, 77,449 port departure permits, and various other authorizations.
The Port Authority commits to transparent and ethical service delivery through electronic systems for permit applications and payments since 2015, reducing direct contact between officials and citizens. The department plans to publish service standards and consumer rights information, including fee transparency, electronic payment options, service completion timeframes, and complaint procedures through its website and Facebook, with a hotline at 1199 for reporting misconduct or bribery allegations.
