Chamber of Commerce Proposes National Anti-Corruption Committee to Elevate Thailand's OECD Entry
Thailand's Chamber of Commerce proposed establishing a national anti-corruption committee and command center to strengthen the country's bid for OECD membership while addressing agricultural reform and trade competitiveness.
The Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, led by Chairman Pot Arumvattananont, revealed that Prime Minister Anusit Charnveerakul opened Government House on May 15th to chair a discussion with leading executives from major private companies. The purpose was to gather ideas and recommendations from the private sector to enhance the country's economic competitiveness. The Chamber presented three key proposals:
1. Establish a National Anti-Corruption Committee with representatives from all sectors, particularly the private sector, and create a National Anti-Corruption Command Center (NACC) to implement transparent and concrete anti-corruption measures. This is essential as corruption continues to hinder the country's economic and social development, and Thailand must demonstrate serious commitment to entering the OECD.
2. Accelerate comprehensive agricultural reform to increase productivity, boost farmer income, reduce costs, and stabilize prices for over 30 million farmers and their families. This includes promoting technology and innovation across the entire agricultural value chain—from production and water management to marketing and value addition—to ensure Thai farmers achieve sustainable and competitive long-term income.
3. Aggressively advance Thailand's trade and investment amid rapid shifts in geopolitics and geoeconomics. This aims to identify new opportunities and strengthen the country's long-term economic resilience.
Given that these issues involve multiple ministries and agencies, integrated coordination is essential. The Chamber requested that the Prime Minister lead these initiatives with clear direction, speed, and unified implementation through a mechanism similar to the Economic Cabinet (CECONOMIC). Following the discussion, Pot stated that this represents a valuable opportunity for the government to hear private sector perspectives and implement these recommendations as priorities with genuine commitment to elevate the country's competitiveness.
