The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has agreed to lend a hand to the Thai government in undertaking the country's comprehensive reforms.
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said the cabinet on Tuesday approved a plan for Thailand to implement the country programme (CP) and authorised Prime Minister's Office Minister Suvit Maesincee to sign an agreement with the OECD soon.
OECD is a cooperation organisation among 35 developed countries. Most members are in Europe and the Americas, with two in Asia -- Japan and South Korea.
Under the new Thailand CP slated for this year, the OECD will work closely with Thai authorities to support the implementation of their domestic reform agenda across four pillars: governance and transparency, business climate and competitiveness, Thailand 4.0 and inclusive growth.
The OECD CP is hoped to be a change agent to support domestic policy reforms that enable Thailand to meet its ambitious development objectives.
Thailand and the OECD will soon begin collaboration on supporting the digital economy. Thailand will be included in the OECD's new flagship publication "Digital Economy Outlook". Through comparative analysis, Outlook helps inform policymakers of the best regulatory practices and policy options to help maximise the potential of the digital economy as a driver for innovation and inclusive growth.
The OECD will also work on a dedicated review of Thailand's digital-related policies in support for Thailand's national development strategy.
Mr Somkid said the cooperation shows foreign organisations are willing to contribute to Thailand's reforms. Previously, the World Bank and the World Economic Forum agreed to contribute to Thailand's reform programme.
He said the cooperation hopefully increases Thailand's opportunity to become an OECD member in the future.
Kobsak Phutrakul, assistant minister to the Prime Minister's Office, said the CP scheme will be applied to the country's comprehensive reform attempts, notably the 20-year National Strategy (2017-2036), the 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2017-2021), Thailand 4.0 as well as the Eastern Economic Corridor initiative.
The reforms aim at improving the country's national competitiveness, boosting social equality and the green economy, and reforming public administrations, all while supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals.