Dr. Kirida Bhaopichitr, Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Commerce, along with Mr. Weeraphong Prapha, Thai Trade Representative, Dr. Piyanuch Wuttisorn, Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Commerce, Mr. Ekachat Seetavorarat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, and Mrs. Pimchanok Pitfield, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the WTO and WIPO, attended the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) 2026 held from June 3-4, 2026, in Paris, French Republic. This year’s discussion theme was “Getting Industrial Policies Right for Open Markets, Growth and Prosperity,” aimed at discussing guidelines for formulating industrial policies that promote long-term economic growth while maintaining open markets, fair competition, and sustainable development.
Dr. Dr. Kirida stated that the MCM 2026 emphasized industrial policies alongside fair competition, which fosters innovation and supports long-term economic growth. During the session on “Improving Regulatory Frameworks for Competition and Competitiveness,” Dr. Kirida emphasized that fair competition, effective regulations, and trustworthy data governance are key factors in enhancing productivity and competitiveness. She also presented Thailand’s progress in reforming trade competition laws to create a level playing field aligned with OECD standards. Furthermore, Thailand prioritizes digital economy development, data connectivity, and data sharing to promote innovation and increase market entry opportunities for new entrepreneurs.
Mr. Weeraphong, Dr. Kirida, and the delegation participated in the session titled “Safeguarding Open Markets, Free and Fair Trade, and a Level Playing Field.” They emphasized that industrial policies should be transparent, goal-oriented, evidence-based, and regularly monitored and evaluated. They highlighted Thailand’s efforts in regulatory review, modern agriculture development, clean energy, and sustainable infrastructure, while noting the importance of maintaining policy space for developing countries.
Dr. Kirida also attended the Informal WTO Ministerial Gathering (IMG) to exchange views on WTO reform. Thailand expressed support for WTO reforms that focus on concrete actions, inclusivity, and clear results, reaffirming that consensus-based decision-making remains a fundamental pillar of the multilateral trading system. Additionally, Thailand supports the development of WTO rules, particularly regarding digital trade and sustainability, while maintaining appropriate policy space for developing nations.
Another key mission involved bilateral discussions with the United Kingdom to explore the feasibility of developing a strategic trade partnership and linking supply chains between Thailand and the UK amidst global trade volatility. The UK expressed readiness to support Thailand’s OECD membership bid, particularly in areas such as finance, e-commerce, good governance, Responsible Business Conduct, and trade policy. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), established in 1961, has a primary mission to develop policies that assist members in achieving sustainable growth, employment, and improved living standards under fiscal stability through trade based on equality. Currently, there are 38 member countries, with several nations in the process of accession, including Brazil, Peru, Croatia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Story and News: Department of Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Commerce