By 2030, Thailand aims to join the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development ( OECD ), which will help it align its policy frameworks with international standards, boost investment, and increase its presence on global economic platforms.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry held the 2025 OECD Southeast Asia Regional Forum monday in Bangkok in order to improve relationships between OECD member states and Southeast Asian nations.
The OECD, which was founded in 1960 and had 20 foundation people, has since expanded to 38 member nations. Eight other nations, including Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Peru, Romania, Thailand, and Indonesia, are already in different phases of the accession negotiations.
The two largest economy in Southeast Asia, Thailand and Indonesia, are the first to fully begin the process of joining the OECD.
A commission directing OECD arrival was established in March, according to Chutinthorn Gongsakdi, Secretary to the Foreign Affairs Minister, during the” OECD Membership– The Journey and the Destination” website, and the nation aims to become a complete OECD part by 2030.
The procedure may get up to seven years, but it is still a workout that is worthwhile, he said. We may or may not cross the finish line, but the voyage, which complies with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, will be of enormous benefit.
Thailand is presently putting together a” Primary Memorandum,” a self-assessment of its lawful, policy, and regulatory alignment with OECD equipment, according to Mr. Chutintorn.
The complex committees of the OECD will quickly review this document. After the accession process, the OECD Council will make a more thorough assessment of a range of coverage areas, culminating in an official view and a final decision.
He believes that Thailand’s top priorities for assistance with the OECD include anti-corruption, foreign direct investment cooperation, responsible firm conduct, green change, AI, digital business development, and ageing community policies.
According to Mr. Chutintorn,” We are committed to strengthening relations with the OECD based on shared values of politics, the rule of law, and an empty, open economy.”
He added that being a member of the OECD may support Thailand more effectively correlate its legal and policy frameworks with global standards, boost Thai funding there, and strengthen its position on world economic systems. The OECD’s skills may be crucial in achieving that goal because we are even aiming to become a high-income state by 2037, he said.
According to Gita Kothari, OECD Accession Coordinator, nations undergoing entry are evaluated on leadership, business techniques, regulatory frameworks, income systems, administrative power, and social indicators.
She added that Thailand and Indonesia’s contribution would give the OECD broader perspectives, fresh perspectives, and useful experiences that would improve the organization’s relevance in yesterday’s global context.
She also praised Thailand’s obvious goal, which she said may help maintain social speed, and stated that the professional evaluation process for Thailand is scheduled to begin in December after the initial document is submitted.