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 the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) at Government House. The submission of this letter elevates Thailand’s status to “Accession Candidate Country” in the Working Group on Bribery, which represents a crucial first step toward full OECD membership. Concurrently, the Prime Minister delivered Thailand’s Initial Memorandum (IM) for OECD membership. Thailand currently holds the status of an Accession Candidate Country in the OECD membership process.
The Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission serves as the primary agency responsible for operations within the framework of the OECD Working Group on Bribery in International Business Transactions, with the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention as the principal instrument to be implemented. Thailand has established a committee to drive the process of becoming a party to the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention under the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The collaborative effort involves promoting and advancing legal reforms and Thai practices to align with OECD standards, thereby elevating laws and the investment environment to ensure transparency and fair competition. This involves relevant agencies from both public and private sectors, including the Office of the Attorney General, Office of the Judiciary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Revenue Department, and the Collective Action Coalition Against Corruption (CAC) of the Thai private sector, which will lead Thailand toward the goal of becoming a party to the Convention and achieving OECD membership.
The Anti-Bribery Convention (OECD Anti-Bribery Convention) is the first and only instrument specifically designed to address the problem of bribery of foreign public officials in international business transactions. This standard establishes legally binding obligations that criminalize the bribery of foreign public officials. The Convention aims to create equality and fairness in international trade competition. Joining this Convention builds confidence among foreign investors, increases the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), and establishes a transparent business ecosystem, which will sustainably benefit the country’s economy.
Source: Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission. (2025). NACC submits letter of intent to initiate the process of becoming a party to the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention. Retrieved from https://www.nacc.go.th/categorydetail/20180831184638361/20251208212125?
Public Relations Department. (2568). Thailand’s significant step on the global stage: Joining forces with OECD to combat transnational bribery and elevate transparency to international standards. Accessible at https://www.prd.go.th/th/content/category/detail/id/31/iid/452661
Images: Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Government House