Thailand confident of meeting 2028 OECD membership goal
Anutin reported positive feedback from OECD chief Mathias Cormann, although entry depends on technical reviews and unanimous backing from members.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed confidence on 16 October that Thailand could achieve OECD membership by 2028, following a Bangkok meeting with the organisation’s secretary-general, Mathias Cormann.
Anutin described progress on documentation and discussions as positive. He said Cormann had endorsed the direction of Thailand’s preparations without identifying specific weaknesses requiring improvement. Cormann is scheduled to visit Thailand again on 23 and 24 November for more talks.
Thailand applied to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in February 2024. Its government later advanced the accession goal from 2030 to 2028, a deadline Anutin said it remained committed to meeting.
OECD committees are examining Thai laws, policies and practices against international standards. Their work includes economic reform, anti-corruption measures, environmental protection, trade, investment and public-sector governance. Thailand must finish these technical reviews and fulfil the organisation’s requirements before members can unanimously agree on an invitation to join.
Anutin said membership would help Thailand attain higher standards for regulation, governance and public administration, reinforcing the confidence of foreign investors and trading partners. His government also regards accession as a way to draw investment, increase competitiveness and support long-term economic development and improvements in quality of life.
