OECD/Thailand membership quest

Editorial staff

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs paid a visit to OECD headquarters in Paris to seek a support for Thailand’s request for OECD membership.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara yesterday gave a policy speech to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Council at the invitation of Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the OECD in conjunction with Thailand’s OECD membership request. 

Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara

Mr Parnpree underscored Thailand’s readiness and strong determination to become an OECD member at the earliest opportunity.

He also emphasized that Thailand shared common values and goals with OECD members, in particular, democracy; rule of law; human rights; open and free market economy; sustainability; inclusivity and green transition.

He elaborated Thailand’s 42 years-journey of engagement with the OECD and its long-term aspiration to becoming an advanced economy by 2037. Member countries took turn to voice support for Thailand’s request and prompt accession process. 

OECD, comprising 38 members, is an international organization that plays a key role in the international governance regarding economy, trade, investment, anti-corruption, governance, education, innovation, environment, and climate change.

Inspired by the vision ‘Better policies for Better Lives’, OECD assists member countries in designing efficient public policy. Going forward, Thailand will work closely with the OECD in order to upgrade policies and standards in doing-business, sustainability and good governance aiming at increasing the competitiveness, promoting trade and investment, improving the standard of living and to eventually overcoming the so-called middle-income trap.

Mr Parnpree attended a special session with the OECD Council to seek support on Thailand’s OECD accession process. Under the theme ‘Reliable and Impactful Thailand’, he presented Thailand’s strength and mutual benefits for Thailand and OECD members as result of Thailand’s joining the OECD.

Currently, Thailand is the only country in Indo-Pacific region that has a ‘Country Programme’ with the OECD, aiming at a green, transparent, and competitive growth.