Bangkok – On August 27, 2025, Director-General Rujikorn Saengchantr of the Department of International Economic Affairs convened a key forum, bringing together thirty representatives from Thai public and private entities deeply involved in the Kingdom’s ongoing pursuit of membership within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This initiative, consistently highlighted within Thailand’s “5S” Foreign Affairs Masterplan – designed to elevate the nation’s economic standards and integration within the global landscape – demonstrates a deliberate and strategically networked approach to achieving this ambition. The meeting underscored a significant shift in Thailand’s foreign policy trajectory, reflecting a move towards greater engagement and collaboration, particularly with established Western economic powers.
The core objective of Thailand’s OECD accession, initiated in 2020, is to align the nation’s economic policies with those of member states, primarily in areas of fiscal transparency, regulatory reform, and sustainable economic growth. The process, driven largely by the MFA’s efforts, is structured around preparing the Initial Memorandum and undergoing the OECD’s Technical Review – a rigorous assessment of Thailand’s economic framework. The August 27th gathering, however, extended beyond the technical preparations, emphasizing the vital role of building robust networks. “We’re not simply producing documents,” stated Dr. Anupong Wattanasirikul, a specialist in international economic relations at Chulalongkorn University, “This is about forging genuine partnerships, leveraging expertise, and demonstrating a commitment to OECD principles.”
Key stakeholders involved in the effort include the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), responsible for formulating Thailand’s economic development strategies, and the Office of the Council of State, which oversees legal and regulatory frameworks. The MFA, under Director-General Saengchantr’s leadership, is coordinating the broader efforts, engaging directly with embassies of OECD member countries – notably the United States, the United Kingdom, and France – to facilitate information exchange and access to specialized knowledge. The Australian government, through a “Masterclass on Thailand’s OECD accession” course delivered in June 2025, has also been a key partner, providing strategic guidance and expertise.
Data emerging from the OECD’s own analysis highlights Thailand’s progress, though challenges remain. While improvements have been made in areas such as corporate tax transparency and ease of doing business, the OECD’s latest Economic Survey of Thailand identifies ongoing concerns regarding bureaucratic inefficiencies, limited judicial independence, and the need for further investment in infrastructure. “Thailand’s accession hinges on demonstrating sustained commitment to addressing these structural weaknesses,” noted Professor David Miller, Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, following a briefing on the OECD review. “The network building is important, but ultimately, Thailand must translate strategic engagement into tangible reforms.”
Looking ahead, the next six months are crucial. The submission of the revised Initial Memorandum by December 2025 will be a critical juncture. The OECD’s Technical Review, anticipated to commence shortly thereafter, will likely scrutinize Thailand’s progress on key reforms. The success of this process will be heavily influenced by the government’s ability to consolidate support across political factions – a recurring challenge in Thai governance. Furthermore, the ongoing geopolitical climate, particularly heightened tensions in Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region, presents a potential complicating factor. Increased scrutiny of Thailand’s economic ties and regulatory standards by nations like the United States, motivated by concerns about intellectual property rights and fair trade, could significantly slow the accession process.
Over the next five to ten years, Thailand’s OECD membership, should it materialize, would represent a transformative shift, potentially unlocking access to OECD funding, strengthening the Kingdom’s international reputation, and fostering greater economic integration. However, the path is fraught with challenges. The ongoing debate concerning the “Saranrom” and “Devawongse Varopakarn” Institutes of Foreign Affairs – which represent distinct approaches to Thailand’s international engagement – highlights the internal tensions that could impede a cohesive strategy. Maintaining momentum and demonstrating a commitment to sustained reform will be paramount. The ultimate measure of success will not simply be the attainment of OECD membership, but the extent to which Thailand has leveraged this opportunity to build a more resilient and globally competitive economy.
The current situation underscores a potent, if somewhat understated, aspect of Thailand’s foreign policy strategy: it’s a carefully constructed network. The question now is whether this network—built upon collaboration and dialogue—can overcome the inherent complexities of Thailand’s political landscape and navigate the increasingly volatile currents of the global economy. The potential rewards are considerable, but the stakes—particularly in a region characterized by shifting alliances and competing interests—are undeniably high.