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Thailand
Voluntary National Review 2021

Watch video of panel where the VNR was presented

Main Messages

Thailand attaches great importance to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly within the context of the Decade of Action for the SDGs. Since the last official submission in 2017, Thailand has made significant strides across all 17 SDGs. However, as with other countries, the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted our economy and society, and hampered our efforts to achieve the SDGs.

The achievement of the SDGs, especially within the context of the Decade of Action and COVID-19, will not come without drastic transformative change and multi-stakeholder partnerships. This edition of the Voluntary National Review highlights Thailand’s application of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy as our homegrown approach that focuses on human empowerment, resilience, and environmental conservation, along with the application of technology and local wisdom in addressing development challenges and promoting recovery efforts. This VNR underlines the importance of a whole-of-society approach and the interconnectedness of the SDGs, showcasing key examples of the role of the private sector, civil society, academia, youth networks, and ordinary citizens in advancing the SDGs at the national level. The VNR itself has provided an opportunity for stakeholders to engage and discuss SDG implementation.

The SDG landscape in Thailand is well-established. The SDGs have been integrated into the 20-Year National Strategy, which is the country’s main development framework. The National Committee for Sustainable Development (CSD), chaired by the Prime Minister, represents the central mechanism to advance all 17 Goals. The CSD has designated government focal points for each of the 169 targets, while its four sub-committees provide the driving force for SDG implementation, application of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for the SDGs, monitoring and evaluation, and environmental assessments. Thailand’s SDGs Roadmap provides the blueprint to move forward in six key areas, namely, policy integration and coherence, enabling mechanisms, partnerships, pilot projects, monitoring and evaluation, and awareness-raising.

Key highlights from this VNR cover examples from all sectors. Thailand has achieved considerable success in eradicating extreme poverty as part of SDG1, and is committed to developing a national multi-dimensional poverty index. Projects aimed at improving nutrition for school children and food security boost progress on SDG2. With regards to SDG3, the country’s Universal Health Coverage and Village Health Volunteers played an integral role in the effective management of the COVID-19 crisis. On SDG4, efforts have been expanded to provide financial support for poor students through the use of digital tools and the Education Equality Fund (EEF). Gender equality initiatives, including efforts to address domestic violence, are the cornerstone of Thailand’s implementation of SDG5.

The highlight on SDG6 is the increased access to clean water sources and sanitation. The development of a SMART Grid is underway to increase energy efficiency in accordance with SDG7. Workforce capacities are continuing to be strengthened to correspond to the needs of the global economy as part of SDG8. The promotion of a Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model through the development of sustainable infrastructure will advance SDG9. To support the achievement of SDG10, the Government has applied the Thai People Map and Analytics Platform to help identify vulnerable groups who require support, while projects such as Baan Mankong (Stable Home) support impoverished communities to achieve secure and sustainable housing as part of SDG11.

On SDGs 12, 13, 14, and 15, Thailand has advanced actions on climate change and sustainable consumption and production, strengthened efforts to protect marine and coastal ecosystems, and increased stakeholder engagement on forest area management. Thailand’s implementation of SDG16 centres on promoting fair and equal access to justice for all, and multi-stakeholder cooperation on human rights promotion, as well as anti-trafficking and anti-corruption efforts. Lastly, Thailand has forged effective partnerships among all sectors in line with SDG17, including civil society, private sector networks, and academia. Beyond our borders, we have expanded our role as a development partner to exchange knowledge, experiences, and best practices with neighbouring countries and countries in other regions.

These are some examples of Thailand’s SDG implementation. We aim to build on the momentum of this VNR in ensuring a whole-of-society approach as we move forward. Together with the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy as our pathway, Thailand is confident that balanced and sustainable development for all is within reach.

Voluntary National Review 2017
Introduction

Thailand attaches great importance to the concept of sustainable development which has long taken root in the country. The country has been guided by the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP), conceived by His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. SEP has been adopted as the core principle of National Economic and Social Development Plan since 2002. The current constitution has integrated SEP and sustainable development as integral parts. The development approach based on SEP is in conformity with the core principle of the 2030 Agenda and can serve as an approach to support the realization of the SDGs. SEP promotes sustainability mindset and provides guidelines for inclusive, balanced and sustainable development. Therefore, SEP will continue to be our guiding principle in completing the unfinished MDGs business and achieving the SDGs. The cabinet has decided on 25 October 2016 to promote the application of SEP for SDGs in all areas and at all levels. Thailand has also been actively sharing SEP as a development model to the international community especially since her G-77 chairmanship in 2016.

Main Highlights

Mainstreaming the SDGs

SEP and SDGs have been integrated in the 20 – Year National Strategy Framework and the 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2017 – 2021). As a result, plans and budgeting of all government agencies will be in line with SEP and SDGs.

National Mechanism for Sustainable Development

The National Committee for Sustainable Development (CSD), chaired by the Prime Minister, is Thailand’s main and highest mechanism responsible for the country’s sustainable development. It has 37 members from public, private academia and civil society, with the Secretary-General of National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) as the secretariat.

The main task of CSD is formulating polices and strategies on national sustainable development and oversight their implementation, including the SDGs. It has established three sub-committees to advance the three inter - connected processes namely mobilizing the SDGs, raising awareness on sustainable development and the application of SEP, and compiling data and statistics to support the implementation and monitoring of the 2030 Agenda.

Three taskforces were established and respectively tasked with (1) reviewing and recommending legal, economics and social measures necessary for achieving the SDGs; (2) coordinating works by numerous agencies, and priority setting; and (3) preparing report on Thailand’s progress, challenges, and recommendation in implementing the 2030 Agenda including the VNR.

Key progress by the CSD

CSD has undertaken several steps to advance the SDGs implementation including establishing coordinating body for each of the SDGs, formulating roadmaps for all 17 SDGs, identifying 30 priority targets, synthesizing examples of SEP for SDGs model projects, examining gaps and discrepancies between the national baselines and the proposed global indicators.

Raising SDGs Awareness and Creating Ownership

Representatives of private sector, academia and CSOs were invited to be in the CSD and its subsidiaries. Several rounds of stakeholders’ engagement has been conducted including with the private sector, CSO of various constituencies, youth as well as the members of National Legislative Assembly. As a result, these stakeholders are making contributions in accordance with their respective roles and expertise. Global Compact Network Thailand and other private entities are very active in mainstreaming SDGs and UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights into business operations. CSOs organized their own SDGs regional forums to present their views, concerns, and priorities under the SDGs. The CSOs have also produced their own VNR reports to supplement the Government’s VNR report. Their inputs as well as contributions from other stakeholders will further synergize Thailand’s efforts to achieve the SDGs.

Voluntary National Review - A process

Thailand views the VNR as a process to engage and to create ownership more than a report-making exercise.

The VNR taskforce comprises lead agencies of 17 SDGs and the National Statistical Office. Several rounds of consultations were conducted to gather relevant information. The content of the report derived from two processes: assessing progress and learning from communities.

The report provides a snapshot of significant progress in 2016 together with approaches and good practices applied in 17 SDGs, especially the SEP for SDGs model projects studied and selected from diverse areas and sectors, as well as challenges faced in achieving some of the goals. Background on data collection and indicators together with statistical annex are also presented.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as chair of VNR Taskforce in collaboration with local universities, organized regional engagement sessions to update stakeholders on the national SDGs implementation and gather their views on how the country should proceed to achieve the SDGs. Greater awareness and ownership have been generated along the process and the report drafting taskforce actually has gotten to appreciate local wisdom and community strength and learned more.

The Progress

Built on the achievement in the Millennium Development Goals, Thailand has a solid foundation for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Here are the snapshots on status, early progresses and challenges.

Goal 1: Thailand has achieved the MDGs target on poverty and hunger, reducing the number of people living in poverty and hunger by half. However, poverty remains in many manifestations and inequalities persist. Around 7.2 per cent of population lives under the national poverty line, the number could reach 15.5 per cent if we include those who are slightly above the line. Measures such as SEP villages seek to increase income and reduce expenditure for those in the rural area. The government has started a registration scheme to provide support to the poor. In 2016, 17,469 million baht (approximately 485 million US Dollar) was provided to 7.5 million registered low income-earners through the national e-payment system to further support their livelihood. It is expected that the scheme will benefit around 12 million qualified registrants in 2017.

Goal 2: Thailand, also known as “Kitchen of the World”, has successfully reduced the proportion of undernourished population from 34.6 per cent to 7.5 per cent during the MDGs era. Efforts to provide the poor and vulnerable groups with access to adequate, safe and nutritious food will be further highlighted in the 20 – Year National Strategy Framework on healthcare. Measures, including law, have been taken to reduce stunning and wasting in children under 5 year of age. Thailand strives to ensure sustainable food production system through promoting practice of sustainable agriculture in the forms of organic farming and the “New Theory Farming” under the SEP concept, with the target to increase the area of sustainable agriculture farming at 80,000 hectare per annum.

Goal 3: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) has been a crucial factor in the improvement of healthcare service in Thailand with current coverage stands at 99.87 per cent. We also attach great importance to preventive medicine. As a result, maternal and neonatal mortality rates are well below the global targets thanks to 99.6 per cent of birth attended by skilled health personnel. New cases of pandemic diseases are also on the decline. The government is determined to reduce the number of road traffic accident through legal measures and promoting safe driving behavior to bring down the second most cause of death.

Goal 4: More than 90 per cent of school age children are enjoying subsidized 15- year basic education available to all children in the land, regardless of their nationalities or migrant status. The government is promoting vocational study in particular dual education with an aim to increasing quality workforce in real sectors. We are working harder to advance the quality of education at all levels under the 12th Education Plan (2017-2021) and the National Education Plan 2017-2036.

Goal 5: Gender equality is another success story from the MDGs. Girls enjoy equal access to quality education as boys do. In fact, they even do better in higher education. Female are now accounted for 60 per cent of the workforce and hold a handsome share of 38 per cent of executive level in private sector. The current constitution calls for gender responsive budgeting, on which a pilot project is being implemented in Surat Thani province. Elements of SDG 5 will be incorporated in the Women Development Strategy 2017-2021.

Goal 6: Almost 100 percent of households have access to safe and affordable drinking water as well as sanitation facilities. However challenge remains in remote rural areas where we are doubling our effort to address the situation. The Water Resource Management Strategic Plan 2015 – 2026 has provided a holistic approach both in terms of water-use efficiency and water resource infrastructure to ensure that Thailand can meet her future demand.

Goal 7: Thailand imports more than 70 per cent of energy for domestic consumption each year. The 20 – Year Integrated Energy Plan (2015-2036) is the road map for the country’s energy security. Thailand is trying to diversify the source of energy focusing on domestic source, improve energy efficiency and promote community participation in energy management. Thailand seeks to increase the proportion of alternative energy from 13.83 per cent to 30 per cent by 2036. Currently Thailand has the highest solar power capacity among ASEAN members.

Goal 8: The 20 – Year National Strategy Framework aims to raise Thailand to become a high – income country by 2036. In addition to the projected growth from agriculture, manufacturing and service sectors, the 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2016 – 2020) aims to strengthen national competitiveness with service and digital based economy, enhance skill of the workforces and provide labour protection and welfare.

Goal 9: Thailand has been actively promoting connectivity within and beyond borders for years. The draft 20 –Year Transportation Development Strategy (2017- 2036) aligns with the SDGs in providing effective, green and safe, inclusive and innovative transport for all. At the same time the Thailand 4.0 policy will boost value added in manufacturing sector through promoting greater utilization of creativity, technology and innovation while ensuring environmental friendly practices. The development of STI capacity will have a central role in this endeavour.

Goal 10: Addressing inequality became one of the main targets in recent national development plans. In 2015, income of the bottom 40 per cent of population grew 6.05 per cent comparing to the national rate of 1.66 per cent. Thailand aims to increase the income growth of the bottom 40 to 15 per cent per annum during the next 5 years. Various schemes have been implemented to support and generate income for the poor such as micro financing, providing financial support, welfare and benefit for low income – earners , establishing social enterprises at every province to support communities development.

Goal 11: Thailand is aligning new urban development plan with the New Urban Agenda. Land ownership and land distribution will be addressed with legal measures. The government is developing a 10 – Year housing development strategy, targeting at 2.72 million households living in inferior housing condition or informal settlement. In addition, 22,434 million bath (approximately 623 million US Dollar) preferential housing loan has made available to the low and middle income population. Already trained in 972 communities in 2016, the Community Based Disaster Risk Management programme based on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction will be further expanded to local comminutes nationwide.

Goal 12: The concept Sustainable Consumption and Production is closely related with SEP which advocates a balanced lifestyle that promotes growth and conserves the environment at the same time. In this regard, Thailand has developed the “SCP roadmap 2017- 2036” to further promote the SCP concept in different sectors, and implemented various medium and long term plans and strategies on green industry, chemical and waste management, environmental management, green procurement, as well as various green labeling schemes to ensure the achievement of SDG 12.

Goal 13: Thailand is one of the countries with high vulnerability to the impact of climate change. This places the issue among national priorities. Consequently measures on climate change has been incorporated in the National Economic and Social Development Plan since 2012 and also integrated in the 20 – Year National Strategy Framework (2017-2036). Thailand’s Climate Change Master Plan (2015-2036) aims to enhance adaptation and mitigation capacity of various sectors. 17 provinces and 32 municipalities have been trained and developed climate action plan for their respective constituencies, complementing their provincial disaster risk reduction plans. Goal 14: The Coastal reforestation programme has resulted in 5.24 per cent increase of mangrove forest area during 2004 – 2014, returning to its former health. Currently, areas under different marine resource and ecological management regimes account for 15.68 per cent of total marine area in Thailand, including 18,136 square kilometers of protected marine and coastal areas. The National Plan of Action to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing was designed to fulfill Thailand’s responsibilities to marine fisheries resources both inside and outside Thai waters.

Goal 15: Thailand has set a target of increasing forest area from 31.6 percent of land area to 40 per cent through various forestation schemes and financial mechanisms. Authorities are also working with communities in forest areas to uplift their well-being, providing alternative means of income and reducing the need to deforest or endanger biodiversity. The Elephant Ivory Act 2015 has been proven to be effective in controlling illicit ivory trade and possession, demonstrating Thailand’s determination in combat wildlife trafficking. Goal 16: SEP inspired initiatives such as alternative development and the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders – the Bangkok Rules, have been identified as measures to promote and support peaceful society. Thailand has the “zero tolerance for human trafficking” policy and continues efforts in prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership. On combating corruption, another national agenda, several legal measures have been enacted and amended. The establishment of Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Offence in 2016, for example, will help reduce the time to finalise such cases more quickly.

Goal 17: Thailand firmly believes that only through partnership we can achieve the inclusive and sustainable development. Thailand has created enabling environment for the private sector to enhance MOI in other developing countries. The Duty Free Quota Free regime for LDCs has been implemented since 2015, complementing Thailand’s outbound investment promotion in developing countries. For years, Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) and Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) have been providing cooperation on sustainable development in terms of technical assistance, financial grants and concessional loans as well as development projects. One of the legacies of Thailand’s G-77 chairmanship in 2016 is the “SEP for SDGs Partnership” with ongoing SEP model projects in 10 countries from different continents and many more projects in the pipeline. Thailand is actively promoting regional cooperation on sustainable development. Thailand has supported UN Office for South-South Cooperation to resume its regional office in Bangkok. Thailand is the Coordinator of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to promote complementarities between the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the 2030 Agenda and the prime mover and coordinator in promoting sustainable development in the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) respectively.

Conclusion

VNR is not only about reporting or sharing our good practices and challenges. Thailand believes that the VNR process has provided countries with opportunities to take stock on sustainable development efforts and strengthen SDGs implementation as well as mobilize public awareness and contribution. It will serve as a solid foundation for future SDGs follow up and reviews, and bring about concerted efforts from all stakeholders for achieving the SDGs. VNR is a practical tool and an engaging process that should be encouraged. -----------------------
Focal point
Ms. Thanavon Pamaranon
First Secretary
Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations
Documents & Reports

Partnerships & Commitments
The below is a listing of all partnership initiatives and voluntary commitments where Thailand is listed as a partner or lead entity in the Partnerships for SDGs online platform
Asian Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network

In 2005, environmental agency leaders from 13 Asian countries established the Asian Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network (AECEN) to promote improved compliance with environmental legal requirements in Asia. Source: The mission of AECEN is to promote improved compliance with environmental legal requirements in Asia through regional exchange of innovative policies and practices. Members presently include environmental agencies from: Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, People's Republic of China, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lank...[more]

Partners
Action Network
Sustainable Development Goals
Eco-Car

In 2007 Thailand's government decided to grant tax incentives to auto manufacturers that produce small, fuel-efficient Eco-Cars. Source: UNEP, 2008, Green Jobs: Towards decent work in a sustainable, low-carbon world In order to receive tax breaks, a company must produce cars that do not surpass a certain engine size (1,300 cubic centimeters for gasoline engines and 1,400 cc for diesels), consume 5 liters per 100 kilometers (47 miles per gallon) or less, generate no more than 120 grams of CO2 per kilometer, and meet Euro-4 emissions standards. Companies must make a minimum investment, produce a...[more]

Partners
Action Network
Sustainable Development Goals
IHO Hydrography Capacity Building Programme for Coastal States

The IHO capacity building programme seeks to assess and advise on how countries can best meet their international obligations and serve their own best interests by providing appropriate hydrographic and nautical charting services. Such services directly support safety of navigation, safety of life at sea, efficient sea transportation and the wider use of the seas and oceans in a sustainable way, including the protection of the marine environment, coastal zone management, fishing, marine resource exploration and exploitation, maritime boundary delimitation, maritime defence and security, and o...[more]

Partners
International Hydrographic Organization (IGO); 87 IHO Member States (Governments); International Maritime Organization (UN); World Meteorological Organization (UN); International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (NGO)
Action Network
Sustainable Development Goals
Integrated coastal management: The crab condominium example

Sriracha Municipality in Thailand plays a vital role as a leader in integrated coastal management. Sriracha has linked conservation and urbanization to achieve sustainable development goals through the mobilization of local agencies. Source: The ICLEI Case Study series The concepts of sustainable development and green growth are widely recognized as means to control pollution and improve ecological efficiency of natural resources. Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) is a highly efficient approach to mobilize local agencies, and actors within local contexts. The activities aim to promote biodiv...[more]

Partners
Action Network
Sustainable Development Goals
Sufficient Economy Philosophy

The Sufficiency Economy Philosophy is an innovative approach to development designed for practical application over a wide range of problems and situations. Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand The Sufficiency Economy Philosophy was incorporated into the Ninth National Economic and Social Development Plan (2002-2006) as well as the Tenth Plan covering the period from 2007 to 2011. It is also part of the fundamental administration policy of the state, as stipulated in Section 83 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand of 2007, that The State shall encourage and suppo...[more]

Partners
Action Network
Sustainable Development Goals
Thailand makes an effort to protect marine environment from marine debris and land-based pollution

Marine pollution, especially from land-based activities, poses one of the most serious threats to marine environment. Excess nutrients discharged frequently lead to coastal eutrophication and algal blooms, which consequently result in harm on marine ecosystems and resources. Problem of marine debris, especially plastic, is pervasive and increasing globally. Recent scientific reports have revealed the amount of 6-12 million tons of plastics escaped into the worlds oceans annually. Worsen situation and the detrimental effects of plastic debris on marine biota, ecosystems, as well as human health...[more]

Partners
Ministry of Industry (Government) Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (Government) Ministry of Interior (Government) Ministry of Transports (Government) Ministry of Public Health (Government) Ministry of Science and Technology (Government) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Government) Local communities (Private sector) Public/ private companies (Private sector)
Action Network
Sustainable Development Goals
Thailand towards sustainable management of marine and coastal habitats

To date, deep concerns have been placed upon the current world-wide degradation of oceans and seas, in particular coastal areas, from threats generated by both human activities and natural causes. Without attempts and appropriate means and measures to reverse the trend, the vital roles, particularly ecosystem goods and services provided by oceans and seas will be abrupt or irreversibly lost and lead to unpleasant consequences in respect of socio-economic deliverables and human livelihoods. Universal call upon concert actions regarding ocean-related sustainable development have been requested t...[more]

Partners
Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (Government) Ministry of Interior (Government) Research institute and university (Academic institution) Local non-governmental organization (NGO) Local communities (Private sector) Public/ private companies (Private sector)
Action Network
Sustainable Development Goals
Thailands Actions on Combating IUU Fishing

In response to global concerns on global-wide IUU fishing which undermines the conservation and management measures adopted by fisheries organizations, the Department of Fisheries, Thailand has established, under the provisions of new Fisheries law, measures of Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) applied to the Thai-flagged oversea fishing vessels. This aims to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing of Thai-flagged fishing vessels operating outside Thai waters, both in waters of coastal states and high sea. Thailands MCS system is moving towards the approach with rules based, behav...[more]

Partners
Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (Government) Marine Department, Ministry of Transport (Government) Command Center for Combating IUU Fishing (Government) Royal Thai Police (Government) Attorney General Office (Government) Ministry of Labor (Government) Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (Government)
Action Network
Sustainable Development Goals
Urban biodiversity for a sustainable city and climate change resilience

The Urban Biodiversity towards Sustainable City and Climate Change Resilience project (UBD-SCCCR) is a local initiative in Chiang Rai, Thailand, to conserve and protect local biodiversity and natural resources for the benefit of the city's community. Source: The ICLEI Case Study series In 2008, Chiang Rai municipality established the Urban Biodiversity towards Sustainable City and Climate Change resilience project (UBD-SCCCR). The main goal was to develop the city in a sustainable way by conserving its natural areas while using them as a carbon sink, particularly a forested tract of land calle...[more]

Partners
Action Network
Sustainable Development Goals
Urban development and biodiversity conservation

Trang municipality has integrated biological diversity conservation into its urban development planning by initiating a conservation project at Nam Jed Canal or Klong Nam Jed. Source: The ICLEI Case Study series Tackling climate change and conserving biological diversity is an important issue for the city of Trang. With the participation of various stakeholders, the objective of the project has been to develop a better understanding of the importance and the benefits of biological diversity and conservation. The project included a site survey, sampling and data collection, and interviews with...[more]

Partners
Action Network
Sustainable Development Goals
Statements
18 Jul 2017
18 Jul 2017
7 Jun 2017
6 Jun 2017
22 Jun 2012
12 May 2011
13 May 2010
12 May 2010
12 May 2010
6 May 2010
6 May 2010
5 May 2010
13 May 2008
8 May 2008
7 May 2008
6 May 2008
6 May 2008
9 May 2007
10 May 2006
3 May 2006
3 May 2006
2 May 2006
22 Apr 2005
21 Apr 2004
3 Sep 2002
United Nations