The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, at the Meeting of OECD Council at Ministerial Level, emphasised three important points regarding Thailand’s vision on inclusive and sustainable recovery - 1) more budget allocation for further development of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Village Health Volunteers network, and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccine, 2) providing subsidies and reskilling those affected by COVID-19 for the digital economy, and 3) strengthening grassroots economy by focusing on community-driven initiatives.

On 29 October 2020, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, participated in the plenary session of the Meeting of OECD Council at Ministerial Level (MCM) on “The Way Out of the Crisis: National Policies and International Cooperation for a Strong, Resilient, Green and Inclusive Recovery” via teleconference, hosted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and chaired by Spain.

On this occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs shared Thailand’s vision on inclusive and sustainble recovery, highlighting three key areas. First, allocating more budget for further development of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Village Health Volunteers network, which has proven to be successful in the management of COVID-19 pandemic. As Thailand is a designated co-producer and developer of the COVID-19 vaccines, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also stressed the importance of making COVID-19 vaccines widely accessible and affordable.

Secondly, providing support for those affected by COVID-19, including recent graduates, informal workers, and SMEs by providing subsidies and reskilling them for the digital economy. Thirdly, strengthening grassroots economy by focusing on community-driven tourism and Bio-Circular-Green economic model to create quality jobs and foster a sustainable and inclusive development.

The meeting also proposed that the OECD conduct studies on a recovery plan that is inclusive, sustainable, resilient, and environmentally-friendly by focusing on alternative indicators for GDP (beyond-GDP indicators), digital taxation, green growth, and employment-stimulating investments.

The OECD is an international organisation specialised in research and policy recommendations for governments. The OECD works with members and international organisations in developing international standards on various issues. The MCM is convened annually with the objective to discuss the future direction of the organisation. Thailand is invited to MCM as participant under the OECD Country Programme.