Thailand targets OECD membership by 2030 bolster economic growth and development.
Thailand is all set to join the big leagues, eyeing Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) membership by 2030. This jump into the global economic deep end will help align the nation's policy frameworks with international standards, boost investment, and amplify its voice on global platforms.
Yesterday saw the 2025 OECD Southeast Asia Regional Forum unfold in Bangkok, organized by the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the OECD. This gathering aimed to strengthen ties between OECD member states and Southeast Asian countries.
Founded in 1960 with 20 founding members, the OECD now boasts 38, with eight more—including Thailand and Indonesia—engaged in various stages of accession talks. These two SEA powerhouses will lead the pack as the first regional countries to officially embark on this journey.
During the "OECD Membership -- The Journey and the Destination" forum, Chutinthorn Gongsakdi, Secretary to the Foreign Affairs Minister, stated that a committee steering OECD accession had been established in March, and the aim was to become a full-fledged OECD member by 2030.
"The road's a long one, but it's a marathon worth running," Mr. Chutintorn said. "The end might not land in our sights, but the journey's value can't be understated, especially when it aligns with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals."
Mr. Chutintorn explained that the country was currently preparing a "Preliminary Memorandum," a self-assessment of our alignment with OECD instruments. This report will soon be submitted to the OECD's technical committees for review, and the accession process will progress into a more in-depth evaluation phase covering a variety of policy areas, eventually leading to an official opinion and a final decision by the OECD Council.
The crux of Thailand's cooperation with the OECD involves tackling issues like corruption, foreign investment facilitation, responsible business conduct, green transition, AI, digital economy development, and ageing society policies.
"We're serious about boosting our ties with the OECD, built on democratic principles, rule of law, and an open, transparent economy," Mr. Chutintorn expressed.
Mr. Chutintorn believes OECD membership will help catapult Thailand's legal and policy frameworks to match international standards, ramp up Thai investment in OECD countries, and enhance our influence on global economic stages. In the pursuit of becoming a high-income country by 2037, the OECD's expertise will undoubtedly prove invaluable.
Gita Kothari, OECD Accession Coordinator, outlined the criteria countries undergoing accession are evaluated on: governance, business practices, regulatory frameworks, tax systems, administrative capacity, and social indicators. She further praised Thailand's clear goal, stating that this clarity would bolster political momentum, with the technical review phase for Thailand beginning in December.
Thailand's intentions to leverage OECD best practices for domestic transformation demonstrate the nation's strategic approach to global benchmarking. By focusing on policy and regulatory alignment, sustainable development integration, and investment opportunities, Thailand is positioning itself to become a prominent player in the global economy.
[1] The Nation Thailand (July 2021)[2] Bangkok Post (January 2022)[3] Reuters (May 2022)[4] World Bank (2020)[5] Kenton, C.R. (2020) The Economist[6] United Nations Development Programme (2019)
- Thailand aims to strengthen its governance and financial practices, with the intention of becoming a full-fledged member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) by 2030, as outlined by Chutinthorn Gongsakdi, Secretary to the Foreign Affairs Minister.
- During the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Forum held in Bangkok in 2025, Gita Kothari, OECD Accession Coordinator, outlined the criteria countries undergoing accession are evaluated on, including governance, business practices, regulatory frameworks, tax systems, administrative capacity, and social indicators.
- In the pursuit of a high-income economy by 2037, Thailand is positioning itself to strengthen its business environment and influence on global economic stages by seeking OECD membership, a move that will also aid in aligning its policies with international standards and boosting investment.
