BANGKOK, Thailand – The Cabinet has endorsed a comprehensive package of measures to boost border trade, tighten accountability in government construction projects, and accelerate Thailand’s bid to join the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) by 2028. Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said among the decisions was the approval of the new Sadao Permanent Border Crossing in Songkhla province, which will open on July 11, replacing the existing checkpoint. The facility will operate daily from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
A draft joint statement was also approved for the prime minister’s upcoming official visit to Malaysia, outlining cooperation in border management, connectivity, security, trade, food and energy security, and social, cultural, and ASEAN affairs. To improve accountability in public works, ministers also approved a draft ministerial regulation targeting contractors whose failures cause serious harm. Contractors whose actions or neglect place lives or property at risk will be classified as contract abandoners and barred from bidding on or entering government contracts for two to 10 years.
The meeting also approved the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council and the OECD. The agreement will support the preparation of Thailand’s 14th National Economic and Social Development Plan through strategic foresight analysis and the application of international best practices. Ministers further approved in principle a draft Prime Minister’s Office regulation establishing a 17-member steering committee, chaired by the prime minister, to oversee Thailand’s OECD accession process. The committee will coordinate with government agencies to meet the target of full OECD membership by 2028. (NNT)
