The core of Thailand’s SDG strategy, as outlined during the Forum, is predicated on leveraging its regional influence and development expertise. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ role as coordinator for SDG 17—Partnerships for the Goals—positions Thailand as a facilitator of knowledge sharing and resource mobilization, primarily within the ASEAN region and extending to other developing nations. However, the emphasis on “partnerships” demands a nuanced examination. While the stated goal is laudable, the existing framework requires rigorous evaluation. Data from the UN’s SDG Index and Dashboards reveals that Thailand has made limited progress across multiple indicators, including reduced inequality (SDG 1), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). This lag necessitates a reassessment of how effectively partnerships are translated into concrete action.
Historically, Thailand’s approach to international development has often leaned towards traditional North-South cooperation. While this model remains relevant for certain aspects of development assistance, the inherently asymmetrical power dynamics and the risk of imposing externally-defined solutions have been frequently cited as shortcomings. The 2025 VNR process, intended to reflect a truly inclusive view, offers a chance to mitigate this. The collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NESDC, Thailand Science Research and Innovation, and SDG Move (particularly the latter’s focus on academic knowledge transfer) represents an attempt to adopt a more participatory and locally-rooted approach. However, a critical question arises: Is the engagement genuinely reciprocal, or does Thailand continue to position itself as the ‘giver’ of development assistance, rather than a learner and collaborator?
Key stakeholders involved include, but are not limited to, the ASEAN Secretariat, numerous bilateral partners (primarily China and Japan), and a growing cohort of philanthropic organizations. China’s burgeoning economic influence within ASEAN presents both an opportunity and a potential challenge. Thailand’s reliance on Chinese investment and infrastructure projects, while accelerating economic growth, has also raised concerns about debt sustainability and adherence to internationally recognized environmental standards – factors directly impacting several SDG targets. Japan, a longstanding development partner, continues to support Thailand’s efforts through technical assistance and financial aid, but its influence is arguably waning relative to China’s. “The primary challenge,” observed Dr. Anusara Virachartyotin, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies, “lies in translating these high-level commitments into measurable outcomes. Thailand needs to move beyond simply stating its intentions and demonstrate a tangible commitment to achieving the SDGs through genuine, mutually-beneficial partnerships.”
Data from the World Bank indicates that Thailand’s current investment in renewable energy (SDG 7) is significantly below targets, largely due to a continued reliance on fossil fuels. Similarly, the country’s progress on reducing food waste (SDG 12) remains slow. The Forum’s focus on “realignments” suggests a potential shift in priorities, but the effectiveness of this realignment will depend on the depth and quality of the partnerships developed. “Thailand’s ability to effectively navigate the complexities of the 2025 VNR will hinge on its capacity to foster truly collaborative relationships,” stated Professor Thitinan Kotthong, Director of the Security Analysis Programme at Bangkok University. “This requires a willingness to learn from other nations’ experiences, share best practices, and adapt strategies based on locally-derived evidence.”
Looking ahead, the short-term (6 months) outcome will likely be the completion of the 2025 VNR submission, a document that will be scrutinized by the UN High-Level Political Forum. The long-term (5-10 years) implications will be far more consequential. If Thailand can successfully leverage partnerships to achieve demonstrable progress across multiple SDGs, particularly in areas like renewable energy, responsible consumption, and inclusive growth, it could solidify its position as a regional leader in sustainable development. Conversely, continued stagnation, coupled with an over-reliance on external assistance, risks further isolating Thailand within the global effort to address the world’s most pressing challenges. The “power word” inherent in this situation is accountability; Thailand must demonstrate a clear commitment to measurable results and a willingness to adapt its strategy based on evolving evidence and peer review. The SDSN Thailand Forum 2025 represents a crucial, albeit imperfect, initial step towards this accountability.