Anutin pushes faster OECD entry and Thailand FastPass to attract global investment
PM Anutin aims to accelerate Thailand's OECD membership and attract more foreign investment through Thailand FastPass, highlighting Google's expansion plans and AI workforce development.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is seeking to accelerate Thailand's accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) while promoting Thailand FastPass to attract foreign investment and strengthen the country's economic competitiveness.
Government Spokesperson Ekkapob Pianpises said on Saturday (November 7, 2026) that Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, outlined the government's economic priorities during his programme, "Talk with PM Anutin", broadcast at 9.05am.
Thailand aims to accelerate OECD membership
Anutin said Thailand was progressing towards OECD membership, which required the country to meet international standards of good governance, accountability, fairness and fair competition.
He referred to discussions held during the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) meetings, where OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann had expressed confidence in Thailand's prospects for membership.
According to Anutin, Cormann indicated that Thailand could complete the accession process relatively quickly if it fulfilled the requirements outlined in its submitted documents and maintained close cooperation with the organisation.
Although the original timeframe was approximately five years, the government intends to complete the process sooner, citing progress already made in demonstrating the country's readiness.
Anutin also said Thailand had significantly improved its position over the past year, particularly in expanding opportunities to generate national income and attract international investment.
Thailand FastPass aims to remove investment barriers
The government is promoting Thailand FastPass to simplify investment procedures, with the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) serving as the central coordination point for investors.
The initiative is intended to reduce the need for businesses to deal separately with multiple government agencies, while addressing obstacles such as demands for improper payments and discriminatory treatment during investment approvals.
Anutin stressed that improving administrative efficiency and transparency was essential to making Thailand more competitive and encouraging international companies to establish or expand their operations in the country.
Google signals plans for further investment
The prime minister also discussed recent talks with representatives of Google, who he said had expressed readiness to invest in Thailand at a level no lower than the company's investment in Malaysia.
He referred to an existing investment value of approximately US$6 billion in Thailand, which he said Google considered relatively modest, with further expansion under consideration.
Anutin highlighted Thailand's geographical location, political stability, infrastructure, distribution networks, tax system and opportunities for workforce development as factors supporting its attractiveness to foreign investors.
He said these advantages provided a foundation for attracting further international investment and expanding the country's economic potential.
AI development must protect Thai workers
On artificial intelligence (AI), Anutin emphasised that technological development must remain under human control.
"We must control AI, not let AI control us," he said.
He stressed the importance of regulating emerging technologies to prevent technological change from displacing Thai workers, while ensuring people have opportunities to develop the skills needed to work alongside AI.
The prime minister also rejected the suggestion that welcoming major international investors amounted to favouring large corporations.
He maintained that attracting foreign capital was intended to create new sources of national income, expand economic opportunities and improve Thailand's long-term competitiveness.
