What's OECD? Homework for government - survey shows

A recent poll conducted by the King Prajadhipok Institute revealed that nearly half of Thai respondents were unfamiliar with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a Paris-based international organisation. Only 2% of those surveyed knew about the OECD, while 42% had never heard of it. The remaining respondents had varying degrees of knowledge or interest in the organisation.

The survey, which polled 2,000 individuals from diverse backgrounds, found that over 40% of those unaware of the OECD lived in northern, northeastern, and southern regions of Thailand, while only 20% were Bangkok residents. Many of the uninformed respondents (20%) claimed they could not find easily understandable information about the OECD.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who chairs the panel driving Thailand's pursuit of OECD membership by 2028, emphasized that membership would promote national development, increase investor confidence, and improve the lives of Thai people in the long term. He has been using his overseas visits to seek backing from other countries, including France, Australia, and New Zealand.

The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has established a website to promote and update the Thai campaign, providing news, multimedia content, and downloadable information. King Prajadhipok's Institute noted that the survey highlighted communication issues in raising public awareness of the Thai campaign, suggesting that efforts should begin with basic information before delving into accession steps and detailed policies.

The institute also recommended that content should focus on explaining the benefits the OECD could bring to individuals and Thailand.