The OECD and Southeast Asia: partnership for prosperity
About the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Forum
In 2024, the OECD opened a new era in its relationship with Southeast Asia by inviting Thailand and Indonesia, the two largest economies in the region, to commence accession discussions.
Thailand and Indonesia’s accession to the OECD will support these countries’ economic development and wellbeing by aligning their domestic policy settings with OECD standards and best practices. It will also embed valuable Southeast Asian perspectives into the OECD’s policy discussions. At the same time, the OECD remains committed to working with the region as a whole by supporting ASEAN-led policy reform and regional economic integration. In this regard, the OECD will also intensify its intends to deepen engagement with Southeast Asian countries that are not currently undertaking the accession process, as well as ASEAN at the regional level, based as always on the principles of shared interest and mutual benefit.
The 2025 Southeast Asia Regional Forum will:
hear from OECD accession candidates Thailand and Indonesia on their rationale for seeking OECD membership and how they see the OECD contributing to their economic prosperity
highlight additional ways for Southeast Asia to engage more deeply with the OECD through its Committees, legal instruments and global relations tools
listen to Southeast Asian countries, businesses and institutions on priority areas and modalities of cooperation
give a platform to OECD and Southeast Asian business bodies to fully integrate private sector views into the discussion
consider the current and future role of the OECD in the economically vibrant Indo-Pacific region and its complex network of international economic institutions.
The Regional Forum will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, and will be hosted by the OECD Secretary-General, Matthias Cormann, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Maris Sangiampongsa. The event is made possible thanks to the support of the Government of Australia.
Click here to view the agenda for the Regional Forum.
> Taxis are well regulated as you step out of the airport, ensuring a reliable transportation option for travelers. The far from the airport to the city center typically ranges between 250 and 500 THB (about 7-15 USD), depending on traffic conditions.
• Passengers are also able to request drop-off directly to the hotel, with journey time around 45 mins - 1 h from the airport.
Generally, nationals from countries with visa waiver agreements are permitted to stay for 60 days upon entry.
Additionally, nationals of 31 countries and territories may apply for a visa on arrival at designated immigration checkpoints for tourism purposes, with a maximum stay of 15 days. Those requiring a visa are advised to check whether they are eligible for an e-visa.
For further information, please contact the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate General.
Please note that the OECD cannot organise a visa on your behalf.
Logistic note
Click here for more information. We look forward to welcoming you in Bangkok!
Contact Us
For more information, you can contact us by email: grcsoutheastasia@oecd.org
Launched in 2014, the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Program (SEARP) supports the region in its domestic priorities, policy reforms and regional integration efforts.
