On 3 September 2026, Ms. Rujikorn Saengchantr, Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs, participated in a panel discussion entitled “Thailand’s Roadmap to Membership: Thailand’s Path towards OECD Accession” at the Global Compact Network Thailand (GCNT) Expo 2026, at True Digital Park. The discussion was aimed at enhancing understanding of progress in Thailand's accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), as well as the standards and regulatory changes for which the private sector should prepare.

The Director-General emphasized that joining the OECD is not merely about attaining membership status but about using the accession process as a “tool to accelerate national reform.” The process will help make regulations more efficient, transparent, and predictable, while promoting fair competition. This, in turn, can reduce costs and risks for businesses, strengthen investor confidence, and enhance Thailand’s overall competitiveness. While higher standards may entail adjustment costs during the transition, particularly for SMEs, the public sector will need to listen to the private sector and provide appropriate support so that OECD standards can become an opportunity for businesses to upgrade their capabilities and gain access to higher-value markets and value chains.

Representatives from the public sector, private sector, and civil society exchanged views on the adaptation of Thai businesses to OECD standards, including Responsible Business Conduct (RBC), as well as efforts to combat bribery and corruption. As such, advancing Thailand’s accession to the OECD requires the engagement of all sectors, particularly the private sector, which plays a key role in translating these standards into practice. The Government aims for Thailand to achieve OECD membership by 2028.