THAILAND Country Profile

Environment, Natural Resources and Extractive Industry

Business Corruption

Illegal logging constitutes a significant problem in Thailand. According to news reports posted on illegal-logging.info, illegal logging is widespread and involves collusion between corrupt officials and influential people. The officials take bribes to turn a blind eye to the logging operation; however, from time to time, logging scandals surface in the media, proving that the problem persists.

Currently, illegal logging of rosewood is increasing due to international demand, particularly from China and Japan. Thailand is discussing whether to ban trading of rosewood timber altogether as a means to curb illegal logging.

Political Corruption

A blatant conflict of interest exists in the Thai energy sector; the energy producers are the ones who also bring forward estimations of the energy demand of the country. According to news reports in the Bangkok Post, the Electricity Governing Authority of Thailand overestimates Thailand's electricity demand by 40%.