On 2 May 2024, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting 2024 as representative of Thailand on the invitation of the Chair, the Prime Minister of Japan, along with H.E. Mr. Sarun Charoensuwan, Ambassador of Thailand to France, at the OECD Headquarters in Paris.

The Vice Minister delivered remarks to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Launch of the Southeast Asia Regional Program (SEARP), which has promoted the cooperation between countries in Southeast Asia and the OECD. The Vice Minister highlighted Thailand’s active engagement with SEARP, particularly as co-chair with the Republic of Korea between 2018 – 2022, and underscored Thailand’s readiness to support SEARP also as prospective member of the OECD.

In addition, at Session 1: “Achieving a Sustainable, Inclusive Economy and Society: Evidence-based Policy Making on Common Challenges”, the Vice Minister presented Thailand’s policies in different fields to promote sustainable investment as means to achieve sustainable and inclusive economy, including financing, green transition, infrastructure development and international cooperation. The Vice Minister emphasized Thailand’s readiness to align with OECD standards on responsible business conduct and good governance with the view to promoting sustainable investment.

The OECD Ministerial Council Meeting is the highest-level decision-making mechanism of the OECD held annually. Thailand’s participation this year underscored the country’s determination and commitment to intensify cooperation with the OECD, which will support its accession process to the organization.