Anutin proposes Blair institute help for OECD entry by 2028

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has proposed official-level talks with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) to support Thailand’s goal of joining the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) by 2028. Anutin raised the proposal during discussions with former British prime minister Sir Tony Blair at Government House.

Government spokesman Ekkapob Pianpises outlined the discussions, which focused on strengthening Thailand’s economy and competitiveness, developing future industries and drawing on TBI’s expertise to turn key government policies into tangible results.

Anutin, who is also interior minister, received Blair, TBI’s executive chairman, in the reception room on the second floor of the Thai Khu Fah Building at Government House.

Anutin links OECD accession to stronger competitiveness

Anutin described Thailand’s OECD accession effort as a national priority, with full membership targeted by 2028 to raise the country’s standards and strengthen competitiveness.

Anutin proposed discussions between Thailand’s OECD accession coordinators and TBI’s team to identify areas of cooperation that could accelerate progress. Potential support would focus particularly on the green transition, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation.

Anutin also proposed appointing official-level coordinators to develop the details of wider cooperation with TBI and arrange joint follow-up, with the aim of moving beyond an exchange of views towards practical results.

Anutin targets high-value industries as new growth engines

Welcoming Blair back to Thailand, Anutin described the country as being at an important stage of transition. The government wanted to restructure the economy and create “new economic engines” to strengthen competitiveness and respond to changes in the global economy.

Anutin identified the digital economy, AI, advanced industries and clean energy as priorities for the shift towards higher-value economic activity. Public-sector reform would accompany that transition, making government more efficient, agile and responsive to change.

Anutin asked Blair which steps Thailand should accelerate to capture opportunities in the new economy and how TBI could work with the country in practice. The investment priorities discussed included AI, semiconductors and advanced industries.

Anutin also highlighted the use of AI to raise productivity and help Thai people develop new skills and sources of income. Improving public-sector performance through e-government and AI governance was another area identified for potential cooperation.

Anutin said Blair’s experience over three terms as British prime minister, together with TBI’s work with governments around the world, could benefit Thailand during its transition. In particular, that experience could help connect economic strategy with technology, investment and public-sector efficiency to support long-term growth and competitiveness.

TBI is a not-for-profit organisation that works as a practical advisory partner to governments and national leaders on strategy, policy design and implementation. Its work includes helping governments respond to technological change and the challenges of governing in the AI era, an approach consistent with Thailand’s stated aim of translating policy into action and measurable outcomes.

Thailand reviews data-centre investment rules

Thailand is reviewing regulations and criteria for data-centre investment to ensure future projects deliver the greatest possible benefit to the national economy while addressing environmental impacts, Anutin said.

Anutin said rapid advances in AI meant Thailand needed to accelerate preparations in regulation, infrastructure and workforce skills, alongside applying the technology for economic benefit.

Blair highlighted the importance of Thailand having a stake in data ownership and using that data to develop applications tailored to the country’s needs. Such an approach could help support the development of Thai start-ups.

Anutin pointed to his visit to Australia and meeting with Canva, where many Thai employees work, as an example of Thai talent. Anutin and Blair agreed that technology and the capabilities of Thai people offered substantial scope for further development.

Anutin also highlighted Thai people’s capabilities and interest in developing AI. Blair agreed, adding that demand for new technologies was increasing and that governments themselves needed to adopt technology to monitor and manage information more efficiently.

Blair sees energy technology as a trade negotiating tool

Blair backed the direction of Thailand’s energy transition, including rooftop solar, and said energy technologies could serve not only domestic energy needs but also as tools in international trade negotiations.

Blair said that, amid global conflict and uncertainty, Thailand could position itself as a friendly country and part of global supply chains.

Anutin included the climate and energy transitions among the areas where he wanted the discussions to lead to practical cooperation, alongside economic competitiveness, AI and digital development, and OECD accession.

Blair expressed willingness to provide information and advice to the Thai government to support progress in the proposed areas of cooperation.