Thailand is seeking help from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to speed its membership application, with three anti-bribery reforms still needed as it works towards joining by 2028. The country has already applied and technical assessments are under way, but Thailand must first accede to the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention before the organisation's Working Group on Bribery in International Business Transactions can begin its review. That group is one of 25 OECD bodies examining Thailand's readiness for accession. Thai agencies are currently completing questionnaires and taking part in detailed interviews with OECD Secretariat officials visiting the country. Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), discussed preparations with OECD Deputy Secretary-General Frantisek Ruzicka and his delegation. Ruzicka was in Thailand for the 29th ASEAN labour ministers' meeting, hosted by Thailand. Laws still being prepared The Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), together with other agencies, is preparing amendments covering the bribery of foreign public officials and the liability of companies involved in bribery. A third measure, under the Revenue Department, would prevent bribe payments being claimed as tax-deductible expenses. Bringing the rules into line with the Anti-Bribery Convention could take time, as legislative amendments must pass through numerous procedural stages. Ruzicka said Thailand's stated membership target would help it move work forward and track progress. OECD member countries had responded positively to the accession process, he said, describing this as an encouraging sign. However, he warned that the technical review was complex and among the most difficult parts of gaining membership. Thailand should communicate widely and involve all sectors so the public better understands the process, he said. Ruzicka also proposed sending Thai officials to OECD headquarters to better understand the organisation and build working relationships. He said the OECD was ready to assist Thailand throughout the accession process. Danucha said Thai agencies were committed to the work. He thanked the OECD Secretariat, as well as Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom and France, for capacity-building support, which he said would be important to Thailand's 2028 goal. The talks covered support in anti-bribery work, investment and responsible business conduct, education, sustainability, artificial intelligence, digital transition and social inclusion. Thailand is also prioritising social safety nets for vulnerable informal workers, including food-delivery and gig workers. Ruzicka suggested Thailand draw on OECD members' experience in this area, citing Australia, Japan, the UK, Canada and Poland. Picture courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? 8 September 2026
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