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. Yong Min Park, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Thailand, delivered opening remarks at the seminar. Representatives from government agencies, private sector, academic institutions, and media attended the seminar. The Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed gratitude to the Republic of Korea for their continued support of Thailand’s OECD membership bid, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in mutual areas of interest such as digital and AI transformation, demographic structural changes, and promoting innovation-driven industrial and investment policies.
Dr. Ananchanok Sakontawat, Director of the Macroeconomic Strategy and Planning Division, National Economic and Social Development Council, addressed Thailand’s economic challenges, noting that the Thai economy is showing signs of slowdown and concerns about Research and Development (R&D) investment. During the first half of 2025, Thailand’s economy performed well as Thai businesses accelerated exports before Trump’s tariffs took effect and government investment increased. However, in the third quarter, the economy notably slowed down due to Trump’s tariff policies affecting exports and reduced government spending. The NESDC forecasts Thailand’s economic growth may only reach 1.8-2.3% in 2025 and may further slow to 1.7% next year. Thailand’s R&D investment to GDP ratio stands at 1.1-1.2%, significantly lower than South Korea’s which exceeds 5% of GDP. R&D is crucial for driving new innovations
This seminar aimed to share experiences regarding the Republic of Korea’s OECD membership process in 1993, which helped Korea develop into a developed nation. The seminar also facilitated the exchange of best practices, structural reforms, and innovation-driven national development, while exploring opportunities for bilateral cooperation in emerging industries and enhancing Thailand’s international competitiveness, with OECD membership as a key goal for leading Thailand towards sustainable innovation and prosperity
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (2025). Director-General of International Economic Affairs Department co-delivers opening remarks at “Sharing Pathways: Korea’s OECD Membership and Thailand’s Application” seminar. Retrieved from https://www.mfa.go.th/th/content/dg-intl-econ-rok-oecd-seminar-th
Chamaiporn Srikhayan. (2568). Exploring Thailand’s Potential Before OECD Entry: ‘Innovation’ is the Key. Bangkok Business News. Available at https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/world/1208096
Image : Ministry of Foreign Affairs