AECF Participates in OECD Agricultural Policy Forum, Presents Climate Change Response Strategy
Thailand's Agricultural Economics Office presented the country's climate change response strategy at an OECD agricultural policy forum in Indonesia, advancing Bangkok's bid for OECD membership with a technical assessment scheduled for 2026.
Peerapat Korthong, Secretary-General of the Agricultural Economics Office (AECF) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, announced Thailand's progress toward OECD membership. Thailand is currently preparing for the technical assessment phase in 2026, following the Prime Minister's official submission of Thailand's Initial Memorandum to the OECD Deputy Secretary-General on December 8, 2024—marking the completion of step 5 in the OECD accession process. The AECF has been designated as the lead agency responsible for coordinating Thailand's agricultural sector work under the OECD's Committee for Agriculture (COAG).
Most recently, Secretary-General Korthong appointed Dr. Kancana Khwanmuang, AECF Deputy Secretary-General, as Head of Mission under COAG to participate as a speaker in the Agricultural Policy in Southeast Asia conference under the OECD framework in Indonesia. The conference was organized by The Agricultural Incentives Consortium, a network collaboration among five international organizations: the World Bank, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the OECD. The objective was to exchange experiences, empirical data, and innovative approaches for monitoring and evaluating agricultural policies, as well as to discuss trends and policy challenges facing Southeast Asia's agricultural sector.
During the conference, Thailand's delegation discussed policy approaches to climate change, presenting an overview of Thailand's agricultural economy, the impact of climate change on agriculture, government measures and management approaches, achievements and outcomes, as well as challenges and support needs to strengthen capacity for managing future changes.
This conference participation represents another significant step in demonstrating Thailand's commitment as an OECD accession candidate country and provides an opportunity to exchange knowledge with experts and international organizations—benefits that will contribute to Thailand's agricultural development moving forward.
Regarding the AECF's operations under COAG, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives issued Order No. 681/2568 dated August 19, 2024, establishing a working group for Thailand's OECD accession process under the COAG framework. This ensures smooth and efficient implementation. The AECF has participated in over 25 COAG meetings during 2024-2025, covering critical issues including agricultural and market policies, carbon footprint measurement, food security, food loss and waste problems, and agricultural and environmental matters.
The Secretary-General concluded by noting that OECD membership will benefit Thailand across multiple dimensions, including aligning policy standards and practices with international norms and enhancing capabilities.
