The Cabinet on 19 May 2026 approved the formation of the National Steering Committee for OECD Accession to drive Thailand's goal to become a full member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development by 2028.

The committee is chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, with Deputy Prime Ministers Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, and Pakorn Nilprapunt as vice chairpersons. It is responsible for setting directions for the country’s accession to OECD, as well as supervising, accelerating implementation, and following up on the operations of various aspects in line with OECD standards.

Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek said that Thailand’s OECD accession had been designated a national priority, as it would upgrade the country in many sectors, including the economy, legal systems, governance, investment, innovation, the environment, and quality of life.

This will also help enhance Thailand’s competitiveness on the global stage, improve the business environment, and strengthen overall confidence in the country. Currently, Thailand is undergoing a technical review by OECD committees that cover multiple areas of work that are in line with Thailand’s domestic priorities and reform agenda.

Ms. Rachada said that the Government attaches great importance to this issue, saying that it is a process to reform the Thai economy for greater transparency and competitiveness, which will benefit the Thai people in the long run. The Government will keep the public updated on the progress of Thailand’s OECD accession.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand has maintained its formal engagement with the OECD since 2008 and further strengthened capacity-building cooperation through the Thailand–OECD Country Program since 2018.

Thailand submitted its request to join the OECD in 2024 and was given an accession roadmap in October 2024. On 8 December 2025, the Prime Minister of Thailand submitted Thailand’s Initial Memorandum to the OECD. The submission marked an important milestone in Thailand’s OECD accession process. It also formally advanced Thailand to the next phase of the Technical Review, which involves various Thai agencies in coordinating with over 25 OECD committees in order to reform and improve Thailand’s standards in line with OECD frameworks and practices.

OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann previously reiterated the OECD’s willingness to maintain regular high-level exchanges with Thailand, with a view to monitoring Thailand’s accession progress and deepening cooperation in areas of shared interest.