Thailand to sign MoU for reforms in line with OECD standards

[webfact]

Thailand to sign MoU for reforms in line with OECD standards

By SUPALAK GANJANAKHUNDEE 
THE NATION 

 

File photo : Sihasak

 

THAILAND will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) next month to kick off a national programme with the aim of supporting a reform agenda that meets international standards.

 

Thailand has been the co-chair with South Korea of the OECD’s Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP) since a ministerial meeting in Tokyo on March 8. Deputy Foreign Minister Virasakdi Futrakul, who brought Thailand close to the organisation when he served as the ambassador to Paris between 2004 and 2006, attended the meeting.

 

The position, which has a three-year-term, aims to bring the “rich men’s club” to Southeast Asia under the banner of “Inclusive Asean”, said the Thai Ambassador to Paris Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

 

Founded in 1961, the Paris-based intergovernmental economic organisation now has 35 members, but Asian countries are underrepresented in the group with only Japan and South Korea having joined.

 

Thailand wanted to join the OECD under the government of Thaksin Shinawatra, but projects and |engagements with the organisation have declined since the 2006 military coup. Political difficulties since then have kept Thailand away from the organisation, which prefers to associate with “like-minded” countries that prioritise democracy and human rights.

 

The relationship of Thailand and Asean nations with the OECD has slowly improved over the past four years after Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe launched the SEARP in 2014 to broaden the international role of Japan and focus on regional integration.

 

While the axis of global economic development has shifted to the region, no Asean members are members of the OECD. Angel Gurria, secretary-general of the OECD, has advocated for the organisation to work with the fast-growing countries in the region.

 

As Thailand undertakes reform, it would be timely for the world’s largest think-tank to put its resources to work to advance its reform agenda internationally, said Sihasak.

 

“Of course, democracy and human rights matter for them, but we make clear that we prioritise stability and our reform agenda indeed leads to democracy,” he said. “Democracy is the way to go but we need time and space for evolving to reach the goal.”

 

The OECD’s programme was not about money, but rather about policy and implementing a system that built confidence for investment and economic development, he said.

 

The unique role of the organisation was its “standard-setting” platform to promote international harmonisation and coordination, Sihasak said.

 

The MoU between Thailand and the OECD is a comprehensive programme with four pillars – public sector reform advancing good governance, investment and competitiveness, Thailand 4.0 and economic growth. There are 16 projects under each pillar for the country to push forward reforms, he said.

 

Prior to the signing of the MoU, the OECD had studied the government’s 20-year plan, national development strategy, Thailand 4.0 scheme and Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) to propose platforms and plans consistent to the Thai context, he said.

 

“We have to insist that ownership would be with Thailand, so they have sent a delegation to consult with the government to help with study and analyses, as well as make policy recommendations,” Sihasak said. “They don’t have a development model for us to comply with.”

 

Asked if the latest engagement with the OECD would pave the way for the country to apply for membership in the organisation, Sihasak said:

 

“We won’t rush to membership. At this stage, we want to have internationally recognised reform.”

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30341715

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-03-26

[jerojero]

Dream on. Sheesh!

[NeoDinosaw]

"As Thailand undertakes reform, it would be timely for the world’s largest think-tank to put its resources to work to advance its reform agenda internationally, said Sihasak.

 

“Of course, democracy and human rights matter for them, but we make clear that we prioritise stability and our reform agenda indeed leads to democracy,” he said. “Democracy is the way to go but we need time and space for evolving to reach the goal.”

 

What he seems to be saying is that there will be no reform ! No surprise there.

[Srikcir]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

“They don’t have a development model for us to comply with.”

Statement made by Thai Ambassador to Paris Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

TRANSLATION:

OECD doesn't have models for military junta governments.

OECD has 35 countries, none of which match Thailand's current system of governance - albeit Turkey might be there eventually. http://www.oecd.org/about/membersandpartners/list-oecd-member-countries.htm

 

[Eligius]

"Thailand has been the co-chair with South Korea of the OECD’s Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP) since a ministerial meeting in Tokyo on March 8", says the article. 

 

This is precisely what is wrong with the way Thailand gets treated internationally and why it is so easy for the junta to continue as it does: with the  military junta strangling the country's rights and freedoms for 4 years (and counting, as it will be), Thailand should be treated as an international pariah and not allowed to join ANY official international organisation. Thailand should be cold-shouldered and made to feel that it is an utter disgrace and will not be welcome in any civilised circles until it flings off its dinosaurian slayers of democracy.

[Kimber]

2 hours ago, NeoDinosaw said:

"As Thailand undertakes reform, it would be timely for the world’s largest think-tank to put its resources to work to advance its reform agenda internationally, said Sihasak.

 

“Of course, democracy and human rights matter for them, but we make clear that we prioritise stability and our reform agenda indeed leads to democracy,” he said. “Democracy is the way to go but we need time and space for evolving to reach the goal.”

 

What he seems to be saying is that there will be no reform ! No surprise there.

 

Yeah the usual charade, agree to everything, sign what's expected, then implement bugger all. 

[Redline]

Stop wasting people’s time and resources. Trying to get something for nothing