Thailand formally declared its ambition to become a full member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) by 2030. A strategic move that carries significant legal, regulatory, and economic implications. The announcement was reinforced during the 2025 OECD Southeast Asia Regional Forum, held in Bangkok, where high-level government officials reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to aligning its governance and legal structures with OECD standards.
The OECD accession process is a rigorous, multi-year undertaking that demands alignment with the organization’s core principles, including democracy, the rule of law, transparency, and market openness. the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, which is spearheading the accession efforts, has already formed a national steering committee and is preparing to submit a “Preliminary Memorandum”—a self-assessment document evaluating the country’s compliance with OECD instruments across various legal and policy domains.
Upon submission, the document will undergo technical scrutiny by OECD committees. This will trigger a comprehensive review process examining Thailand’s legal framework in areas such as anti-corruption, competition law, taxation, foreign direct investment, trade liberalisation, responsible business conduct, and environmental regulation.
Accession will necessitate significant harmonization of Thailand’s domestic legal framework with OECD standards. Key legislative changes are expected in:
- Anti-Corruption Laws: Strengthening enforcement mechanisms and aligning definitions and penalties with OECD Anti-Bribery Convention standards.
- Foreign Investment Regulations: Revising laws that restrict foreign ownership to improve transparency and ease of doing business.
- Taxation and Financial Reporting: Implementing OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) measures and advancing towards automatic exchange of financial information.
- Environmental and Social Regulations: Integrating sustainability standards, including frameworks for the green transition, digital economy, and responsible business practices.
Thailand views OECD membership as instrumental in accelerating its development goals, including its vision to become a high-income country by 2037. Membership would also increase investor confidence, strengthen institutional credibility, and position Thailand as a regional standard-bearer for regulatory governance.
However, the path to accession is not without challenges. Domestic legal reforms may face resistance from entrenched interests, and institutional capacity-building will be critical to sustain implementation. Moreover, sustained political commitment across future administrations is essential to maintaining momentum.
Thailand, alongside Indonesia, is among the first Southeast Asian nations to formally pursue OECD membership. Their accession would mark a significant geographic expansion of the OECD and reflect the growing influence of emerging economies in global governance.
According to OECD Accession Coordinator, the inclusion of Southeast Asian voices will enrich the OECD’s policymaking and enhance its relevance in addressing complex global challenges.
Thailand’s OECD accession journey is more than a diplomatic goal—it is a legal transformation project with far-reaching implications. Success will depend on the country’s ability to modernize its legal frameworks, strengthen regulatory institutions, and commit to the rule-based international order. Whether or not membership is secured by 2030, the process itself promises to yield enduring benefits for Thailand’s legal and economic landscape.