Bangkok: Thailand moves forward with its application to join the "Open Government Policy (OGP)" to enhance transparency and public participation.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Government Spokesperson, revealed that the Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC) for Thailand to officially apply for membership in the Open Government Partnership (OGP) after Thailand has met all the preliminary qualifications according to the OGP's criteria.
The Deputy Spokesperson stated that the OGP is an international mechanism established in 2011 with 75 member countries. Its key objectives are to promote "transparent, accountable, and publicly engaged government," and to utilize new technologies to enhance public sector efficiency. This will enable the government to move forward by opening up data, processes, and opportunities for greater public participation in policy design.
The OGP assessed Thailand in 2025 and declared it 'fully qualified' for fiscal transparency, disclosure of government assets, and citizen participation in the policy process, thus enabling it to proceed to the formal membership application process.
The OGP application process is divided into 2 phases and 8 steps. The Public Sector Development Commission (PSDC) proposes the process to the Cabinet, divided into 2 phases: Phase 1 - the step before being certified as OGP member. The Cabinet approves the appointment of 2 levels of main coordinators: senior political executives assigned by the Prime Minister, and senior civil service executives, namely the Secretary-General of the Public Sector Development Commission. The Thai government sends a letter of intent to apply for membership to the OGP Secretariat, after which the OGP considers and officially announces Thailand's acceptance as a member.
Phase 2 involves actions after being certified as a member. The OGP will meet with the Thai government to determine the operational process and create a "National Action Plan (NAP)" in collaboration with the public, private, and government sectors, covering 9 key policy issues such as anti-corruption, public access to information, the environment and climate, digital governance, and justice and inclusive participation. The steps also include organizing a hearing for opinions from all sectors, submitting the draft NAP to the Cabinet for consideration, and submitting the complete NAP plan to the OGP Secretariat.
The deputy spokesperson stated that after receiving membership status, Thailand will have to pay annual contributions of between US$67,500 and US$135,000 (approximately 2.2-4.4 million baht), for which the OCSC has already prepared a budget for 2026.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson emphasized that joining the OGP will be an important step for Thailand in enhancing government transparency, increasing public and international confidence, and opening up space for society to participate in scrutiny and co-design public policies, which are the heart of a digital-era economic government.