In a bid to stride towards the global economic forefront, Thailand has set its sights on becoming a proud member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) by the year 2030. This strategic move not only aims to align the nation’s policy frameworks with internationally recognized standards but also seeks to spark an influx of investment while enhancing Thailand’s influential voice on global economic platforms. Just yesterday, the hustle and bustle of Bangkok hosted the 2025 OECD Southeast Asia Regional Forum, a significant event orchestrated by the Foreign Affairs Ministry in collaboration with the OECD. The forum was a testament to the growing camaraderie between OECD member nations and the energetic Southeast Asian economies.
Established in 1960 with merely 20 founding nations, the OECD has snowballed into an exclusive club with 38 distinguished members. Joining this elite circle is a desire shared by countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Peru, Romania, Thailand, and Indonesia—all of whom are currently navigating through various stages of accession talks. Notably, Thailand and Indonesia, the heavyweights of Southeast Asian economies, have officially embarked on the expedition to join the OECD.
The forum, charmingly titled “OECD Membership — The Journey and the Destination”, witnessed the eloquent insights of Chutinthorn Gongsakdi, Secretary to the Foreign Affairs Minister. He revealed that a dedicated committee was formed in March to spearhead Thailand’s OECD accession, targeting full membership by 2030. With a hint of optimism mixed with realism, he remarked, “The process may stretch over seven long years, yet it’s a marathon worth every stride. We might triumph at the finish line, or perhaps not, but the wealth of experience and the strides made in the voyage align seamlessly with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.”
To fuel this ambitious journey, Mr. Chutinthorn mentioned that Thailand is diligently crafting a “Preliminary Memorandum”. This document will serve as a self-reflective assessment of the nation’s legal, policy, and regulatory coalescence with OECD standards. Once completed, this memorandum will be presented to the OECD’s technical committees for insightful reviews, thereafter diving into an intensive evaluation phase across a spectrum of policy areas. This meticulous process will culminate in an official opinion and, ultimately, a decisive verdict by the OECD Council.
In his enthusiastic discourse, Mr. Chutinthorn highlighted key areas of collaboration moving forward, emphasizing anti-corruption, facilitating foreign direct investments, fostering responsible business conduct, steering the green transition, nurturing the digital economy, and addressing the nuances of an ageing society. “Our ties with the OECD are anchored on shared values of democracy, the rule of law, and fostering an open, transparent economy,” he conveyed with a sense of purpose.
Mr. Chutinthorn further elucidated that OECD membership is a powerful conduit for Thailand in harmonizing its legal and policy frameworks with international benchmarks, paving the way for increased Thai investments in OECD countries, and elevating the nation’s discourse in global economic arenas. “With aspirations of becoming a high-income country by 2037, the OECD’s expertise and guidance are invaluable pillars in achieving this milestone,” he emphasized with conviction.
Adding to the rich dialogue, Gita Kothari, the OECD Accession Coordinator, elaborated on the rigorous evaluation processes that countries undergo during accession. From governance and business practices to regulatory frameworks, tax systems, and social indicators, no stone is left unturned. She acknowledged the diverse perspectives that Thailand and Indonesia bring to the table, enriching the OECD with new voices and experiences, thus bolstering the organisation’s stature in the modern global discourse.
Praising Thailand’s ambitious vision, Ms. Kothari acknowledged that it’s a forceful catalyst in sustaining political momentum. She anticipated that the technical review phase for Thailand is poised to start in December, following the submission of the preliminary memorandum. With eyes set on the future, Thailand’s roadmap to OECD membership unfolds not just as a destination but as an enriching journey through the evolving global economic landscape.
Joining the OECD sounds fantastic for Thailand’s economic growth but isn’t the 2030 goal a bit too optimistic?
I think it’s ambitious, not over-optimistic. This could push Thailand to make necessary reforms faster.
Exactly! Sometimes a tight deadline can spark the motivation needed to achieve great things.
I get that ambition is key, but if it’s unrealistic, it could lead to disappointment and wasted resources.
Should Thailand even focus on OECD membership? Maybe they should prioritize fixing internal issues first.
Internal issues and OECD membership aren’t mutually exclusive. Improving globally can reflect back positively internally.
Agree. But the resources for internal and external improvements aren’t infinite. Prioritization is key.
True, but do we trust the government to balance those priorities well?
What about the implications for small businesses in Thailand once joined? Won’t this be overwhelming?
Sure, small businesses might face tougher competition, but they could also benefit from enhanced trade opportunities.
It’s a double-edged sword. But long-term competitiveness usually wins out in these scenarios.
I see where you’re coming from, but not every small business has the resources to adapt quickly.
I believe joining the OECD could improve transparency and governance standards in Thailand.
Hopefully, but let’s not forget corruption can be a tough beast to tame, regardless of international standards.
Agreed. It’s one thing to have standards, another to enforce them effectively.
Wouldn’t joining OECD lead to loss of some cultural and economic independence?
Possibly in some areas, but it can also open up greater dialogues on preserving cultural identity amid globalization.
Sounds like a win-win for Thailand and the OECD, but what does this mean for neighbors like Cambodia and Laos?
They could either benefit from a stronger regional economy or face increased competition—they’ll need to decide their approach.
There’s a political angle here. Does this move have anything to do with positioning against China’s influence in the region?
Definitely. It’s part economic strategy, part geopolitical maneuvering. Keeping a balance between major global players.
True, but it’s not just about China. Thailand seeks more leverage and partnerships with Western economies as well.
Isn’t it better to manage expectations? It’s a long journey ahead, fraught with obstacles.
Being realistic doesn’t mean abandoning optimism. You need both to navigate complex international relations.
Overall, this could position Thailand as a leader in ASEAN. The ripple effects across the region could be profound.
What role do you think public opinion will play in this strategy?
The strategy is impressive, but is there a focus on environmental and social commitments or just economic gains?