On June 4, 2026, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), as the main coordinating agency for Thailand’s OECD accession, met with representatives from the OECD Development Co-operation Directorate and the Public Governance Directorate during the OECD Council meeting at the OECD Headquarters in Paris, France.
During the discussion with the OECD Directorate for Public Governance, the NESDC was briefed on the conceptual framework for integrating AI technology into public sector operations to enhance productivity, in accordance with ethical principles and digital safety under the OECD Framework for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence in Government. This framework requires government agencies to develop AI usage guidelines by balancing three dimensions: 1) Enablers: developing technological infrastructure, database systems, and AI skills to enhance public sector productivity; 2) Guardrails: establishing strict guidelines emphasizing ethical AI use, secure data protection structures, and monitoring and evaluation systems; and 3) Engagements: involving government agencies at all levels, the public, and service recipients to foster awareness and participation in determining the appropriate use of AI in the public sector.
In discussions with the OECD Development Co-operation Directorate, the NESDC presented Thailand’s role in the development cooperation arena. As an OECD accession candidate, Thailand serves as a bridge between the OECD and Southeast Asia, particularly in raising awareness of development cooperation frameworks where Thailand plays a key role, such as the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) and the
Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Economic Cooperation Program. This will promote OECD engagement in supporting and facilitating development cooperation through Triangular Co-operation, as well as developing Thailand’s capacity in managing Official Development Assistance (ODA) to elevate Thailand’s role from a recipient to a provider in the development chain.
During this occasion, NESDC They have monitored and supported Thailand’s OECD accession efforts and other collaborations between Thai agencies and the OECD, such as the technical assessment of public governance in collaboration with the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC), the organization of development cooperation projects and activities with the OECD, and becoming a member of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) through the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) and the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA). Although these are Non-Accession Activities, they are vital for developing relationships, strengthening cooperation, and demonstrating Thailand’s commitment to becoming a comprehensive part of the OECD.
These discussions reflect opportunities to develop Thailand through cooperation and access to OECD resources. The NESDC will coordinate and monitor progress with relevant agencies to drive Thailand’s OECD accession to success, achieving the goals of enhancing competitiveness, elevating to international standards, and building Thailand’s confidence on the global stage.
Story and Photos: International Strategy and Cooperation Coordination Division
Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council