"Varawut” Supports Department of Industrial Works In Upgrading to OECD International Standards

Today (28 April 2026) at 9:30 AM at Government House, Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, gave an interview before the Cabinet meeting, stating that the Ministry of Industry is accelerating the upgrading of the capabilities of entrepreneurs and the management system of hazardous materials to be on par with international standards and preparing for full membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) by 2028, in accordance with Thailand's intention. Currently, Thailand is an accession candidate country in the membership process.

Mr. Varawut further stated that this is in line with the Cabinet resolution of December 26, 2023, which assigned the Department of Industrial Works and the Thai Industrial Standards Institute to carry out this task. The Ministry of Industry and the Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, are the main agencies responsible for technical assessment in collaboration with the OECD's Chemicals and Biotechnology Committee (CBC). The goal is to support sustainable development, protect human health and the environment from the risks of modern chemicals and biotechnology products, prevent non-tariff trade barriers, reduce costs for countries and industries, and promote more standardized chemical management systems. Therefore, the Ministry of Industry is responding positively to the OECD's policy of joining the organization, adapting policies and practices to suit Thailand's context and align with international standards.

"Last week, the Department of Industrial Works invited 158 organizations involved in hazardous materials management—from the government and private sectors to independent organizations—to a meeting to discuss the preparations and benefits of OECD membership and to review the instruments under the CBC for the government sector. This will serve as a framework for integrating cooperation and driving concrete national preparedness. However, the importance of OECD membership lies in raising the standard of laws across the system, enhancing good governance and transparency, and attracting foreign investment, which the Prime Minister and the government are striving to expedite. We are striving to expedite the process of achieving full membership in the OECD and complete it by next year," Mr. Varawut said.

Photo : Weeraphat Ratsameerueangrong