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Driving Thailand towards OECD Membership (TH2OECD)

Driving Thailand towards OECD Membership (TH2OECD)

Driving Thailand towards OECD Membership (TH2OECD)

Thailand and OECD The OECD Thailand Country Programme Phase I The OECD Thailand Country Programme Phase II Driving Thailand towards OECD Membership (TH2OECD)

News/Updates

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OECD
11 December 2025

Prime Minister Opens the 19th OECD Asian Senior Budget Officials Meeting

December 11, 2025 Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, presided over the opening ceremony of the academic workshop on budgeting OECD Asian Senior Budget Officials Meeting, 19th edition, organized by the Bureau of the Budget in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The meeting had approximately 100 participants, […]

OECD
11 December 2025

OECD advances discussions with Thai agencies following Initial Memorandum submission, preparing for “Technical Review” phase

On December 9, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a workshop on the OECD membership process during the technical review phase. Gita Kothari, OECD Accession Coordinator and Deputy Director, Directorate for Legal Affairs served as the main speaker to prepare Thai agencies responsible for technical reviews with OECD Directorates. The event was attended by […]

OECD
8 December 2025

Prime Minister Submits Thailand’s Initial Memorandum (IM) to OECD: A Significant Step Towards Membership

On December 8, 2025, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul submitted Thailand’s Initial Memorandum (IM) to Mr. Frantisek Ruzicka, Deputy Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) during his visit to Thailand to pay a courtesy call on the Prime Minister and meet with Thai high-level representatives, as well as to receive the Initial […]

OECD
8 December 2025

Seminar for the Launch of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Report on Economic Survey of Thailand 2025: Building the Foundations for Stronger Growth

The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), organized a seminar for the launch of the Economic Survey of Thailand 2025 report on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Ballroom of Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok. The event was honored by Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached […]

OECD
8 December 2025

The Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission submits a letter of intent to initiate the process of becoming a party to the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention

On December 8, 2025, Mr. Phatthrasak Wannasaeng, Commissioner of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, served as the representative in submitting a letter of intent to initiate the process of becoming a party to the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions (OECD Anti-Bribery Convention) to Mr. František Ružička, Deputy Secretary-General of […]

OECD
25 November 2025

Minister of Education holds bilateral discussions with Director for Education and Skills of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

On November 25, 2025, Professor Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Minister of Education, held bilateral discussions with Mr. Andreas Schneider, Director for Education and Skills of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), to exchange progress on educational cooperation and approaches to support Thailand during its OECD membership application process. The OECD commended Thailand’s preparedness in […]

OECD
Thai delegation participates in the OECD Global Roundtable on Equal Access to Justice 2025 to support Thailand’s membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
15 November 2025

Thai delegation participates in the OECD Global Roundtable on Equal Access to Justice 2025 to support Thailand’s membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) invited the head of the Thai delegation, Professor Emeritus Bowornsak Uwanno, Deputy Prime Minister, along with the Thai delegation comprising Ms. Pongsawat Neelayadhin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, and Mr. Yodchat Tasarika, Director of the Legal Division, Acting Legal Advisor and Executive of the Thailand […]

OECD
12 November 2025

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Thailand organized a seminar titled “Sharing Pathways: Korea’s OECD Membership and Thailand’s Application” to share experiences regarding the Republic of Korea’s OECD membership process

On November 12, 2025 The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Thailand organized a seminar titled “Sharing Pathways: Korea’s OECD Membership and Thailand’s Application” with Ms. Ruchikorn Sangchan, Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, former Minister of Commerce and Minister of Energy, and Mr. […]

Thailand-OECD Relations

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Background and Significance

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February: Cabinet Resolution of February 15, 2022, acknowledged the results of Country Programme (CP) Phase 1 and assigned NESDC and MFA to consult with relevant agencies to develop CP Phase 2. Additionally, MFA was tasked to study the readiness, feasibility, and benefits Thailand would gain from OECD membership.

September: MFA commissioned TDRI to study and research the suitability of OECD membership. The study found that Thailand would benefit more from full membership than non-member status.

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March: The signing of the MoU for CP Phase 2 will help Thailand access OECD’s knowledge and best practices continuously, strengthen relationships, and bring Thailand closer to OECD membership.

December: Cabinet Resolution of December 26, 2023, approved Thailand’s letter of intent for OECD membership and assigned NESDC and MFA as main coordinating agencies for driving OECD membership.

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February: MFA submitted a copy of Thailand’s letter of intent for OECD membership to OECD, marking the official membership application.

16 April: Thailand submitted the original letter of intent for OECD membership.

17 June: OECD Council approved opening accession discussions with Thailand.

June: OECD Council approved Thailand’s OECD membership roadmap (Roadmap for the OECD Accession Process of Thailand).

10 July: OECD Council approved Thailand’s OECD membership roadmap (Roadmap for the OECD Accession Process of Thailand).

28 October: Prime Minister signed the order appointing the Committee for Supervising Thailand’s OECD Membership Process.

30 October: OECD Secretary-General paid a courtesy call to the Prime Minister and attended Thailand’s OECD accession process launch, presenting Thailand’s OECD membership roadmap to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

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18 February: Cabinet Resolution of February 18, 2025, acknowledged progress in Thailand’s OECD membership and approved the fiscal year 2025 central budget, emergency reserve funds for implementing the OECD membership process project.

10 March: Prime Minister chaired the Committee for Supervising Thailand’s OECD Membership Process meeting, which set the goal for Thailand to achieve OECD membership by 2030.

8 July: Cabinet Resolution of July 8, 2025, acknowledged and approved the results of the first meeting of the Committee for Supervising Thailand’s OECD Membership Process (1/2025) and instructed relevant agencies to continue concrete implementation of Thailand’s OECD membership process.

July 29: The Secretary-General of NESDC chaired the 1st meeting of the Subcommittee for Driving Domestic Operations for Thailand’s OECD Membership in 2025 and directed relevant agencies to continue concrete implementation of Thailand’s OECD membership drive.

December 8: The Prime Minister officially submitted Thailand’s Initial Memorandum (IM) to the Deputy Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

OECD Membership Process

The OECD membership process consists of two main phases: Pre-accession Process and Accession Process.

Factsheet on Thailand’s OECD Membership

Factsheet: Thailand’s OECD Accession, as of February 24, 2026

  • Background
  • Thailand’s OECD Membership Process
  • Benefits and Impacts of OECD Membership
  • OECD Business Network (Business at OECD: BIAC)
  • OECD Parliamentary Network (Global Partnership Network: GPN)
  • Thailand’s Current OECD Membership Process
  • Next Steps in Thailand’s Domestic Implementation
Download Factsheet

Roadmap for the OECD Accession Process of Thailand

Download

Framework for OECD Membership Consideration

(Framework for the Consideration of Prospective Members)

Consists of 5 conditions to guide Thailand’s implementation of OECD membership process, including:

1. STATE OF READINESS

Country’s Readiness to Align Standards with OECD

2. Country’s commitment to OECD values and membership obligations

Country’s Commitment to OECD Values and Membership Obligations

3. INstitutional framework

Public Administration Framework and Institutional Structure

4. key economic indicators

Key Economic Indicators

5. relations with the oecd

OECD Engagement

Related Documents

Thailand’s Status in OECD Committees/Subsidiary Bodies

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Invitee

PARTICIPANT

ASSOCIATE/MEMBER

Download documents from past meetings

Background and project overview presented by Mr. Alexander Böhmer (OECD) Review of Thailand’s implementation of the Country Programme Phase 2, presented by Mr. Nattha Pachaiyut (Office of the Public Sector Development Commission) Review of Thailand’s implementation of the Country Programme Phase 2, presented by Mr. Ori Schwartz (OECD) Review of Thailand’s implementation of the Country Programme Phase 2, presented by Mr. Peerapat Tandavanit (Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council) Review of Thailand’s implementation of the Country Programme Phase 2, presented by Ms. Suttasinee Klaokitikul (Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency – DEDE) Review of Thailand’s implementation of the Country Programme Phase 2, presented by Mr. Douglas Herrick (OECD) Reflections on lessons learned from Thailand’s cooperation with the OECD and the way forward, presented by Mr. Thatchatai Keeratipongpaiboon (Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council)
Meeting to discuss Thailand’s accession to OECD membership and the necessary actions to advance the process in the next phase Preparation of the Initial Memorandum for Thailand’s accession to OECD membership
Thailand’s Economic and Social Transformation, presented by Associate Professor Dr. Wanchat Suwankitti
Meeting to discuss Thailand’s accession to OECD membership, presented by Associate Professor Dr. Wanchat Suwannakit
Keynote speech on “Thailand and Its Path to OECD Membership” by Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister. Thailand’s progress toward OECD membership, presented by Mr. Wanchat Suwankitti, Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). Benefits and impacts of Thailand’s OECD membership, and the private sector’s preparedness and adaptation strategies, presented by Mr. Suttikate Thadpitakkul, Investment Advisor, Office of the Board of Investment (BOI). Benefits and impacts of Thailand’s OECD membership, and the private sector’s preparedness and adaptation strategies in relation to trade competition, presented by Dr. Akkarapol Huabcharoen, Director of International Affairs Division, Office of Trade Competition Commission (OTCC). The role of the private sector in advancing Thailand’s OECD membership and key issues the private sector wishes the government to address, presented by Dr. Nilsuwan Leelarasamee, Vice Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries.
Alignment of Thailand’s standards with international standards and accession to the OECD’s legal instruments Overview of Thailand’s accession to OECD membership, presented by Associate Professor Dr. Wanchat. Private sector perspectives and issues for government action The role of the government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in advancing Thailand’s accession to OECD membership

Frequently asked questions

Sometimes we may see the term “OCDE.” Do not assume it is a typo, as it may be written in French. “OCDE” (O-C-D-E) is the French abbreviation for Organisation de coopération et de développement économiques, while in English it is “OECD” (O-E-C-D), which stands for Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Pros

  • Promotes multi-dimensional structural reforms and establishes international standards
  • Increases trade competitiveness and opportunities to access member country markets
  • Thailand’s GDP will grow by 1.6%, equivalent to 270 billion baht in 2020
  • Greater access to global economic databases
  • Receive close consultation and technical assistance from OECD
  • Enhance Thailand’s image and promote Thailand’s role on the global stage

Cons

  • Annual membership fees of approximately 3-7 million euros per year, depending on the country’s economic size
  • Membership may impact the economy and society in certain areas, such as disclosure requirements and non-discrimination obligations
  • OECD functions as a think tank that serves as a platform for experts and a repository of diverse data, where countries can seek consultation or use as a knowledge source for addressing various issues.
  • OECD’s distinctive feature is its committee-based approach with experts covering multiple fields, emphasizing the development of new knowledge according to the changing global context.
  • There is no punishment system for member countries that fail to comply with common standards, but peer review mechanisms are used to evaluate compliance and provide academic opinions.
  • No financial assistance is provided to member countries, but emphasis is placed on discussions to establish standards and support policies to help develop well-being and build a stronger, cleaner, and more equitable world, according to the motto “Better policies for better lives.”
  • TDRI research indicates that if Thailand becomes a member, inequality would decrease slightly, which is not statistically significant. Therefore, it can be concluded that OECD membership does not significantly increase or decrease Thailand’s inequality.
  • Membership has both beneficiaries and those who may be disadvantaged. Therefore, Thailand may consider making reservations on issues that must preserve national interests, and the government must have measures to compensate those affected.
  • Examples of reservations made by Costa Rica, which has an economy similar in size to Thailand, include:
    • Allowing foreigners to use land for business only in certain areas
    • Specialized professions such as doctors and engineers must operate according to domestic regulations only
    • Domestic land transportation services can only be operated by Costa Rican companies, with Costa Rican nationals holding at least 51% of shares
  • Thailand has cooperated with OECD for over 20 years and has adjusted standards to align with OECD to some extent through Country Programme Phase 1 (2018-2021) and Phase 2 (2023-2025)
  • Thailand has endorsed 11 out of 271 OECD instruments and has continuously upgraded its status in committees. For example, in 2021, NESDC received Participant status in the Regulatory Committee
  • OECD places Thailand in tier 1, which OECD is interested in inviting for membership
  • The OECD membership process may involve Article 178 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2560 (2017) regarding treaties to be implemented jointly with international organizations
  • Therefore, the matter may be brought to Parliament for consideration, with details to be discussed with the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs and the Office of the Council of State

NESDC The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will discuss with OECD and invite relevant Thai agencies to participate in discussions, presenting reasons and concerns why Thailand may not be able to adjust to OECD standards. Agencies can negotiate to make reservations on certain issues, based on Thailand’s interests

  • No country has failed to meet OECD standards and been told to cancel. There have only been internal events in those countries that caused OECD to announce the termination of the Accession process, and cases where member countries vetoed candidate countries due to personal conflicts
  • Russia is a country where OECD announced the termination of the Accession process in 2014 due to the Crimean crisis. Russia had been in the Accession process since 2007
  • Croatia was vetoed but ultimately received unanimous consensus to enter the Accession process. In 2017, Croatia submitted its intention to become a member but was vetoed by Hungary due to conflicts between the two countries over an oil company corruption case. However, in 2018, Hungary ended its opposition to membership, allowing Croatia to receive unanimous consensus to enter the Accession process in 2022

TDRI research indicates that from evaluating the economies of 7 member countries with economic sizes similar to Thailand, membership helps increase overall national productivity, resulting in direct GDP growth of 0.05% and net economic expansion of 1.6% in the first 5 years

Upgrading cooperation status demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to higher-level cooperation with OECD, particularly Associate status, which is equivalent to full membership of OECD. This represents good value in demonstrating Thailand’s commitment to OECD member countries

We should not view OECD membership as an FTA or a matter of gains and losses, as OECD membership is not equivalent to an FTA and is not an FTA by nature. Rather, it is about creating common standards and enhancing governance, which may help facilitate FTA negotiations

Currently, the schedules of the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999) follow a Negative List approach (allowing everything except reserved matters) as OECD desires, except Schedule 3 (21) which remains a Positive List (reserving everything except permitted matters). However, the Foreign Business Act is currently undergoing performance evaluation under the Act on Principles for Drafting Laws and Evaluation of Legal Performance B.E. 2562 (2019), which is expected to be completed by 2024. The Ministry of Commerce may consider using the evaluation results to improve the Foreign Business Act to align with OECD conditions and maximize benefits for Thailand. Additionally, Sunset Clauses, which are provisions that terminate the application of laws, can be used to set expiration periods for reservations to create transition periods for relevant sectors to have sufficient time to adapt or operate in accordance with OECD standards

OECD has a committee called the “Regional Development Policy Committee” that provides recommendations on regional policy development, including local development. Relevant Thai agencies can express interest in joining this committee to create participation and benefit from membership to improve and develop operations in accordance with OECD standards

The OECD membership process has no fixed timeframe. It depends on the candidate country’s ability to reform its operations to align with OECD standards. OECD committees in each area will evaluate whether the candidate country has successfully adjusted internal regulations to comply with OECD standards as specified in the Accession Roadmap, before issuing an invitation letter for the candidate country to accept legal obligations and become a full OECD member

Conflicts are unlikely since most current OECD member countries are also WTO members, and WTO has close cooperation with OECD and observer status in the OECD Trade Committee

Joint seminars between the public and private sectors should be organized to increase awareness, focusing on sustainability and keeping pace with rapidly changing technology, particularly regarding impacts on young entrepreneurs who are important leaders of economic transition

NESDC will organize workshops to raise awareness of Thailand’s OECD membership for the private sector, civil society, and relevant sectors, possibly inviting representatives from the Thai Chamber of Commerce to participate as panelists in the meetings, scheduled for January-February 2024