{"id":374846,"date":"2023-12-07T14:23:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-07T07:23:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inter.nesdc.go.th\/high-level-consultation-meeting-and-exhibition-on-thailands-oecd-membership-between-thailand-and-the-oecd\/"},"modified":"2025-10-13T21:40:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T14:40:10","slug":"high-level-consultation-meeting-and-exhibition-on-thailands-oecd-membership-between-thailand-and-the-oecd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inter.nesdc.go.th\/en\/high-level-consultation-meeting-and-exhibition-on-thailands-oecd-membership-between-thailand-and-the-oecd\/","title":{"rendered":"High-Level Consultation Meeting and Exhibition on Thailand’s OECD Membership between Thailand and the OECD"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) organized a high-level consultation meeting and exhibition on Thailand’s membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the Royal Maniya Ballroom, Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel. The event was honored by Mr. Julapun Amornvivat, Deputy Minister of Finance<\/strong> as the opening ceremony chairperson, along with Dr. Luiz de Mello, Director of the Policy Studies, Economics Department, OECD<\/strong> who presented the findings of the Second OECD Economic Survey of Thailand, and Mr. Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council<\/strong> who presented comments on the Second OECD Economic Survey of Thailand, including Thailand’s readiness to become a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.<\/p>\n\n

Additionally, the event featured academic panel discussions for exchanging opinions with experts, divided into two sessions. The first session was an academic panel on Key Policy Insights for a Robust Recovery Path for Thai Economy<\/strong> with expert panelists including: (1) Dr. Jens Arnold, Head of Division, Country Studies, OECD (2) Dr. Pan Anan-apibutr, Local Fiscal Policy Development Expert, Fiscal Policy Office (3) Dr. Akrapol Huabcharoen, Director of International Affairs Division, Office of the Trade Competition Commission, and (4) Dr. Kiatipong Ariyapruchya, Senior Economist, World Bank. The second session featured an academic panel on Strong and Inclusive Green Recovery<\/strong> with expert panelists including: (1) Dr. Jens Arnold, Head of Division, Country Studies, OECD (2) Dr. Asamon Limsagul, Director of Climate Change Adaptation Research Group, Department of Climate Change and Environment, and (3) Dr. Kwanpat Sutthithammakij, Senior Economist, World Bank. The panel discussions were moderated by Dr. Ananchanok Sakontavat, Director of the Macroeconomic Strategy and Planning Division, NESDC.<\/p>\n\n

Regarding the findings of the Second OECD Economic Survey of Thailand by the OECD, the key findings can be summarized<\/strong> as follows: Over the past several decades, Thailand has achieved success in economic and social development. Following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Thai economy has gradually recovered, with significant support from the strong recovery of the tourism sector. However, Thailand still needs to restructure and reform in several areas to ensure sustainable and inclusive economic recovery. During the COVID-19 pandemic, fiscal policy measures were implemented to mitigate the impact of the outbreak and prevent severe economic recession, resulting in increased public debt. Therefore, future policy approaches should emphasize gradual fiscal consolidation to restore fiscal balance and maintain fiscal stability, while coordinating with monetary policy that continues to focus on reducing inflationary pressures, including the gradual withdrawal of pandemic relief measures, retaining only essential social assistance measures.<\/p>\n\n

The OECD report indicates that the Thai economy is expected to continue recovering, with an estimated growth of 3.6 percent in 2024, supported primarily by strong private consumption growth, despite the government’s withdrawal of cost-of-living assistance measures and high household debt levels. Similarly, the labor market has recovered well, though young workers have not fully benefited from this labor market recovery. While weak external demand has impacted the export sector, there remains momentum from the tourism sector’s recovery.<\/p>\n\n

Thailand needs to prioritize addressing various structural challenges, including population aging, digital technology transition, global supply chain changes, and the transition to an environmentally friendly economy. Policy approaches must focus on enhancing productivity, which is a crucial pathway to increase people’s income amid declining labor force. Additionally, emphasis must be placed on developing the business environment, applying digital technology, and promoting competition through important measures such as relaxing market entry restrictions, attracting foreign direct investment particularly in the services sector, and expanding trade negotiations to fully utilize the changing global trade landscape. Simultaneously, continuous efforts must be made to prevent and combat corruption.<\/p>\n\n

Furthermore, Thailand must prioritize developing a comprehensive social protection system to support vulnerable households, while policies supporting inclusive economic growth and reducing inequality remain necessary. Although Thailand’s income distribution has continuously improved since the 1980s, more than 50 percent of all workers remain informal workers who are not covered by the social security system.<\/p>\n\n

To achieve net zero emission targets, serious policy implementation is required, utilizing both carbon pricing measures alongside stringent regulatory enforcement. Simultaneously, targeted assistance is necessary to help vulnerable groups affected during the transition period, and gradual reduction of government energy subsidies. Additionally, incentives must be created to encourage both domestic and foreign investment to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and environmentally friendly innovation.<\/p>\n