European Union · Nation Thailand
Thailand needs 5-7 years to join OECD, former Thai ambassador to US says
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While Thailand pledges to complete its accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) by 2028, Pisan Manawapat, Thailand’s former ambassador to the United States, said the country could need at least five to seven years to become a full member.
Key facts
- Pisan said the 2028 target is nearly impossible given the scale of reforms required and the need for greater coordination among government agencies.
- The most difficult or impossible task is to fulfil the government pledge before parliament to enter and become a member of OECD by 2028
- The Thai government is now aiming to complete the EU-Thailand FTA by the end of 2026 and pledging to complete the accession to the OECD as a full member by 2028.
- While acknowledging the benefits of OECD membership, Pisan said Thailand should focus on the substantive reforms required rather than simply meeting the government’s 2028 target.
- He also served as chief lead negotiator for the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA) from 2002 to 2006.
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Summary
Pisan said the 2028 target is nearly impossible given the scale of reforms required and the need for greater coordination among government agencies.
“The most difficult or impossible task is to fulfil the government pledge before parliament to enter and become a member of OECD by 2028. From all I heard from my colleagues who have been working on OECD entry, they believe it requires at least five to seven years, at least,” he noted.