Thailand targets 2028 OECD membership to drive national reforms

The Thai government is accelerating its application to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), aiming for membership by 2028. Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Periswiwattana stated that the goal is to use OECD standards as a catalyst for comprehensive national reforms, including the economy, investment, taxation, bureaucracy, labor, digital infrastructure, and education.

Thailand has entered the technical review stage following the submission of an Initial Memorandum to the OECD in December 2025. Twenty-five OECD technical committees will examine Thai laws, policies, and practices to identify areas for improvement. A national mechanism led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is overseeing 34 agencies to ensure unified policy and legal adjustments.

In terms of education, recent PISA 2025 results show an upward trend in Thai student performance compared to 2022. Scores improved in science (432), mathematics (407), and reading (392), although they remain below the OECD average. The government intends to use these results to further bridge competency gaps and enhance labor productivity and national competitiveness.