By 2030, Thailand aims to join the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development ( OECD ), which will help 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 has grown to 38 member nations since its founding in 1960, with 20 foundation people. Eight other nations, including Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Peru, Romania, Thailand, and Indonesia, are already in different phases of the accession negotiations.
The first two largest markets in Southeast Asia, Thailand and Indonesia, officially begin their membership in the OECD.
A commission directing OECD arrival was established in March, according to Chutinthorn Gongsakdi, Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Minister, during the” OECD Membership– The Journey and the Destination” website. The nation aims to become a complete OECD part by 2030.
The procedure may take up to seven times, 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 evaluation phase will be more thorough, covering a wide range of coverage areas, culminating in an official mind and a final decision from the OECD Council.
According to him, Thailand’s top priorities for assistance with the OECD include anti-corruption, foreign direct investment cooperation, responsible organization do, green change, AI, digital business growth, and ageing world 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 participation in the OECD may support Thailand more effectively correlate its legal and policy frameworks with global standards, boost Thai funding there, and raise the government’s voice in global economic forums. The OECD’s skills may be crucial in achieving that goal, he said, “because we are even aiming to become a high-income state by 2037.”
Countries undergoing entry are evaluated on leadership, business practices, regulatory systems, tax systems, administrative power, and cultural signals, according to Gita Kothari, OECD Accession Coordinator.
She added that Thailand and Indonesia’s participation would give the OECD broader perspectives, fresh perspectives, and valuable experiences that would strengthen the organization’s relevance in today’s global context.
She also praised Thailand’s clear goal, which, according to her, would help keep political momentum. She added that Thailand’s technical review process is scheduled to begin in December once the preliminary memo has been submitted.