The Prime Minister chaired the first meeting to prepare Thailand's accession to the OECD. The Secretary-General of the Council of State expects legal and budgetary membership approval by April and is confident Thailand will join by the 2028 target.
At 09:30 on 13 Nov 2026 GMT+7 at the Government House, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Chanvirakul chaired the first meeting of the Committee overseeing Thailand's accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for 2026. Attending were Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith; Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew; Deputy Prime Minister for Legal Affairs Pakorn Nilprapunt; Secretary-General of the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC) Onfa Vetchachiwa; Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) Danucha Pichayanan; Secretary-General of the Council of State Nopadol Pheariruk; Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Saran Charoensuwan, an OECD development expert; and representatives from related agencies.
Reaffirming the goal of OECD membership with full support in all aspects.
The Prime Minister opened the meeting stating that the government places great importance on joining the OECD. Since assuming office, he has had multiple discussions with OECD executives, gaining deep understanding that Thailand's accession is a critical priority. The goal is to secure membership approval by 2028, aligning with Thailand's domestic governance policies, international standards, building confidence both domestically and abroad, and enhancing the country's competitiveness for long-term public benefit.
The Prime Minister added that leaders from various countries, both government and private sectors, have expressed admiration and readiness to support Thailand's OECD membership goal. During the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings hosted by Thailand, he met with OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, who expressed strong confidence in Thailand and praised the country's cooperative efforts, responsiveness, and improvements toward rapidly achieving this goal.
Unexpectedly, the Secretary-General expressed confidence that Thailand serves as an exemplary country. He felt assured and recognized the standards of our work. Hearing this, the Prime Minister quickly told Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the NESDC, to transcribe the remarks so the hardworking team can gain confidence and morale, as such statements from high-level officials are based on substantial information before public declaration.
"Honestly, before becoming Prime Minister, I was not particularly interested because it was not directly my responsibility. But when asked for cooperation, I agreed. On my first day as Prime Minister, hearing the term OECD, I realized its great importance. Now, as leader, I set direction to achieve results. After studying the documents, I was surprised and asked the NESDC Secretary-General how this was possible. Only those committed and determined could do this. As head of government, I am fully supportive to meet the set objectives," the Prime Minister stated.
The Prime Minister said that at the end of this month, another joint meeting will be held, with the OECD Secretary-General attending in person. Preparations will be at the highest level to ensure all processes progress smoothly. This is our challenge—to complete today's work yesterday if possible. He hopes everything will be concluded successfully to bring mutual benefit. He urged close monitoring of progress via the NESDC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Council of State, which will serve as core agencies driving this important mission. He affirmed his full support in all forms to achieve the goal together.
Meanwhile, Nopadol Pheariruk, Secretary-General of the Council of State, said before the meeting that the Council expects OECD to approve legal and budgetary membership by April. Regarding the other 25 key pillars, discussions with OECD and related agencies have taken place. He believes the government's principles align with OECD requirements, focusing on issues like corruption and environmental protection. The business sector has already made improvements, and he expects smooth progress from the Thai side.
Nopadol added that today's meeting will establish three subcommittees covering the NESDC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and legal affairs, with himself chairing the legal subcommittee.
Asked how OECD's approval of legal and budgetary principles would benefit Thailand, Nopadol said that regulatory reforms will proceed in parallel with budget matters, which will facilitate other operations. He believes Thailand will join the OECD on time by 2028 as planned.
When asked about the agenda for the OECD Secretary-General's meeting with the Prime Minister, Nopadol said they will discuss Thailand's readiness to join the OECD and identify any additional necessary steps.