On 8 December 2025, H.E. Mr. Sarun Charoensuwan, Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomed and attended the programme of H.E. Mr. František Ruzicka, Deputy Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), during his visit to Thailand as a guest of the Ministry.

The Secretary to the Minister participated in the Deputy Secretary-General’s courtesy call and discussions with H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister, and attended a working luncheon hosted by the Prime Minister at the Government House. The Prime Minister presented to the OECD Deputy Secretary-General two important documents: (1) the Initial Memorandum, which compiles Thai agencies’ self-assessment of laws, policies, and practices using OECD instruments as benchmarks; and (2) the Letter of Intent to start the process of acceding to the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business. The Convention is an important international legal instrument that promotes transparency in doing business, deters bribery, and facilitates high-quality international investment.

The Secretary to the Minister also attended the meeting between the OECD Deputy Secretary-General and representatives of Thai trade unions and the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB). The OECD Deputy Secretary-General also delivered a keynote address at the launch of the Thailand Economic Survey, jointly published by the National Economic and Social Development Council and the OECD. He also gave a special lecture titled "Reform and Legislative Adoption Journey to OECD Membership" at the Parliament Complex, organized by King Prajadhipok's Institute and The Ministry's International Studies Centre.

This visit displayed tangible progress in Thailand’s path to OECD membership and reflected the close cooperation between Thailand and the OECD. The handover of the Initial Memorandum was a result of intensive cooperation between Thai agencies and paved way for the next step of OECD accession – the Technical Review. In this process, government agencies will closely consult with the OECD to align its laws, policies, and practices with OECD standards. Tangible benefits to the public are expected, including more investment, higher quality of life, and business facilitation, and increased government efficiency. Thailand aims to become an OECD member by 2030.