Thailand is undertaking one of the most ambitious legal and regulatory reform programmes in its modern history as the government seeks to secure membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) by 2028, says Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt.
Speaking in a recent interview, Mr Pakorn, who is a former Office of the Council of State (OCS) secretary-general, said Thailand's legal framework has long been burdened by outdated regulations and complex approval procedures.
"Around 90% of the Thai legal system is still based on approvals and permits, which cannot be obtained through a one-stop service. This causes unnecessary burdens for citizens and businesses," he said.
He said these approval procedures also create opportunities for corruption due to the requirement for extensive interaction between officials and the public, unclear regulations and civil servants' discretionary powers.
Efforts to reform the legal system are not new.
Mr Pakorn said the OCS has been working on regulatory improvement since the late 1980s, drawing lessons from international best practices and evolving global trends. As globalisation accelerated and international trade expanded, countries recognised the need for high-quality regulations that ease economic activity while protecting public interests.
Over time, regulatory philosophy shifted from strict government control to self-regulation and later toward a more balanced approach. Governments around the world came to realise that while some sectors require strong oversight, others can function effectively with greater flexibility and stakeholder participation.
This evolution eventually led to the concept of "better regulation for better life", a principle that Mr Pakorn has championed throughout his career.
OECD background
The deputy prime minister said the then government started studying OECD regulatory principles in 2015 after a member of the OECD's Regulatory Policy Committee based in Malaysia reached out to him when he was working for the OCS.
He said he later requested access to the OECD's library, allowing his team to study the matter.
He and his team found the OECD's principles involve structural reforms, with the organisation acting as a forum for the exchange of economic development strategies.
Mr Pakorn said Thailand and the OECD began their full-scale cooperation in the mid-2010s. As part of the partnership, the OECD has been sending its specialists to train Thai personnel free of charge.
"Thailand's goal is not to achieve a high status within the OECD but to initiate structural reforms in the legal system, economy and society with the aim of improving its competitiveness and citizens' quality of life,'' he said.
Mr Pakorn said he incorporated these principles into Section 77 of the 2017 constitution. The provision requires authorities to conduct impact assessments, identify policy problems, hold a public consultation before introducing new legislation and review laws after implementation to make sure they remain effective.
He said successive governments have supported this reform agenda. From Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha's administration to the governments of Srettha Thavisin and Anutin Charnvirakul, policymakers have recognised that Thailand must adapt to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.
"We can't continue living the way we did in the past. We must move forward. If we fail to adapt, we will be left behind while other countries continue evolving," he said.
Membership progress
Mr Pakorn said Thailand has already completed several important steps in the OECD accession process, including submitting a Country Report, which outlines the country's readiness for membership and completing an Initial Memorandum evaluating how closely Thai laws and institutions align with OECD instruments and standards.
The next step involves revising laws and regulations. Mr Pakorn said most Acts do not require amendment as they involve broad principles, with only a few remaining outdated. However, obstacles are found in ministerial regulations that govern licensing and approval procedures.
"The government is planning to review its 7,600 ministerial regulations, digitise regulatory processes and integrate government databases so agencies can exchange information electronically,'' he said.
Under the proposed digital government framework, citizens and businesses would no longer be required to repeatedly submit official documents already held by state agencies. Information would be shared securely across departments, reducing paperwork, speeding up approvals and increasing transparency.
Although the government has set a target of achieving OECD membership by 2028, Mr Pakorn acknowledged that the timeline is ambitious.
He believes the process could take until 2030 due to the extensive coordination required across multiple government agencies and sectors. Nevertheless, Mr Anutin has insisted on maintaining an ambitious goal to accelerate progress.
He said OECD membership does not require perfect compliance from the outset. Many member countries joined while still working to address remaining gaps. The benefits, he said, extend beyond international recognition.
Membership would strengthen investor confidence, facilitate trade and investment with OECD countries, support sustainable development and encourage higher governance standards across the economy.
"My team has consulted with all parties, including the parliament and the opposition, and they all have supported the push for membership," he said.
