PM Confident Thailand on Track to Join OECD by 2028
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed confidence that Thailand will join the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD) by 2028 after the OECD secretary‑general praised the country’s preparation. He said a follow‑up meeting is set for November 23‑24, 2026 to continue discussions, and stressed that the whole‑of‑government effort is underway to meet the bloc’s standards.
The Prime Minister, speaking after a meeting with OECD Secretary‑General Mathias Cormann at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre on October 16, 2026, said Cormann’s address at a World Bank event praised Thailand’s preparation and commitment, indicating the country is on the right path to OECD membership. He noted that when he asked repeatedly what more needed to be done, the secretary‑general replied that Thailand is already doing well. The Prime Minister added that a follow‑up meeting is planned for November 23‑24, 2026, to continue discussions.
He emphasized that the cooperation between the Thai government and the OECD proceeds as planned, with mutual support essential for Thailand’s success. Becoming an OECD member would be an achievement for both Thailand and the OECD secretariat, bringing benefits to the country and the world. Thailand’s standards across all sectors—not just governance and tight regulations—would be upgraded, boosting trade, financial systems and confidence for those conducting business with the nation.
In simple terms, joining the OECD would move Thailand from a developing to a developed‑country status, raising its basic infrastructure and pushing the country forward a step, he said. When asked whether further improvements were required, the Prime Minister said he had repeatedly sought clarification and the secretary‑general confirmed Thailand is on the right track, with no deficiencies pointed out, which boosts morale among officials.
The Prime Minister stressed that compiling the necessary OECD data is a whole‑of‑government effort; ministries have filled rooms with documents, recognizing the importance of the task not as a mere duty but as a step toward preparing Thailand for the future and enabling further progress. He expressed confidence that, as senior officials age, the country will be handed to a new generation safely and with improved quality of life.
Regarding the target year of 2028 for OECD membership, he said the secretary‑general wishes to see the process completed, and their positions align while both remain in office. Such remarks from a first‑ or second‑time meeting are a positive signal and a good sign, not an offer of excessive help but affirmation that Thai officials working hard are heading in the right direction without needing to correct course. The OECD secretary‑general will return for a wrap‑up meeting on November 23‑24, 2026, giving another chance for dialogue.
