Thailand has dropped three places to 80th out of 143 countries and jurisdictions in the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2026. It scored 0.50 out of a possible 1.00 and ranked 24th among 44 upper-middle-income countries. The Washington-based organisation released the index on 21 October.

Singapore led Southeast Asia with a score of 0.79, placing it among the strongest performers worldwide. Malaysia came next with 0.57, followed by Indonesia at 0.51. Thailand and Vietnam tied at 0.50, the Philippines scored 0.46, and Myanmar and Cambodia recorded 0.33 and 0.31.

Denmark topped the global ranking, with Norway, Finland, Sweden and Luxembourg close behind. At the other end of the table, Venezuela finished last, with Afghanistan, Haiti, Cambodia and Nicaragua just above it.

A ninth year of decline

The WJP says the global erosion of the rule of law continued in 2026. For the ninth consecutive year, more countries saw their scores fall than rise. About 62% of countries declined, while 38% improved. More than 86% of countries have also experienced a sustained five-year drop in at least one safeguard against authoritarian rule, such as limits on government power, open government or fundamental rights.

WJP Executive Director Alejandro Ponce warned that authoritarianism is no longer an emerging risk in many parts of the world, as it has now taken firm root.

Pressure on civic freedoms and courts

• Freedom of opinion and expression weakened in 64% of countries.
• Freedom of assembly and association declined in 67%.
• Civic participation deteriorated in 65%.
• Civil justice worsened in 64% of countries and criminal justice in 58%. Improper government influence was identified as a key factor in both areas.
• Judicial limits on government power weakened in 63%.

How the index is measured

The index assesses eight areas: constraints on government powers, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, order and security, regulatory enforcement, civil justice and criminal justice. Scores range from 0 to 1, and higher figures indicate stronger adherence to the rule of law.

The WJP also links a stronger rule of law to higher economic prosperity, lower inflation and better sovereign credit ratings.