OECD chief backs Thailand’s membership drive, sees 2028 target within reach

OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann has expressed strong support for Thailand’s bid to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, saying the country’s progress and commitment could put the government’s 2028 membership target within reach.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also interior minister, met Cormann at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok on October 16 during the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group.

Anutin reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the accession process, saying OECD membership was not simply about meeting formal requirements but about bringing Thailand’s laws, regulations, institutions and policies closer to international standards.

The government believes alignment with OECD standards would strengthen confidence in Thailand among investors and other international partners while improving the country’s competitiveness.

OECD praises Thailand’s accession progress

Cormann praised Thailand’s preparations and the government’s commitment to the process.

He said the direction taken by the government and relevant agencies gave him confidence in Thailand’s accession efforts and reiterated the OECD’s support as the country proceeds through the technical review process.

Thailand has set a policy target of becoming an OECD member by 2028. The government established a national committee chaired by Anutin this year to accelerate legal, regulatory and institutional reforms required for accession.

Cormann said earlier this week that Thailand had demonstrated “strong commitment” at every stage of the process and that OECD committees were now conducting detailed reviews of Thai laws, policies and practices across areas including competition, investment, corporate governance, digital policy, education, trade, the environment and public governance.

Thailand now in technical review phase

The OECD Council agreed to open accession discussions with Thailand in June 2024 and adopted the country’s accession roadmap the following month.

Thailand submitted its Initial Memorandum in December 2025, formally launching the technical phase of the process.

That stage involves detailed assessments by OECD expert committees to determine how closely Thailand’s legislation, policies and practices align with OECD standards and best practices.

Successful completion of those reviews is required before OECD members can take a final decision on inviting Thailand to join the organisation.

Membership seen strengthening global links

Anutin said accession could help Thailand integrate more deeply into the global economy by strengthening standards in areas ranging from governance and investment to competition and public administration.

Cormann said Thailand would also bring value to the OECD by contributing its experience and perspective as one of Southeast Asia’s major economies.

He has argued that expanding OECD engagement in Southeast Asia would strengthen the organisation as global economic growth and investment increasingly shift towards the region.

Cormann told the prime minister that Thailand’s progress would benefit not only the country itself but also the OECD, as membership would broaden the organisation’s representation and strengthen connections with Southeast Asia.

The OECD has said the accession process itself can support reforms, strengthen investor confidence and help countries integrate more deeply into the rules-based global economy, even before full membership is achieved.