Governing Cross‑cutting Challenges from the Centre in Thailand

Executive summary

Thailand is improving its governance framework to better manage cross-cutting policy challenges, using the net zero transition as a central test case. Achieving net zero requires strong co-ordination mechanisms, clear institutional mandates, and effective policy development and performance management. The centre of government (CoG)—the bodies that directly support the Head of Government and the Cabinet—plays a critical role in ensuring that such policies are strategically designed, aligned across ministries, and effectively implemented. However, traditional siloed governance structures continue to pose challenges in steering complex reforms.

This scan uses the net zero transition as a lens to examine how Thailand’s CoG can more effectively steer cross-cutting issues. It offers an integrated perspective across three core governance functions: defining institutional responsibilities, shaping coordinated policy development, and strengthening performance management.

Drawing on OECD good practices, the report identifies concrete opportunities to reinforce institutional coordination, strategic planning, and monitoring functions within Thailand’s CoG, namely the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, and the Budget Bureau. By strengthening these central institutions, Thailand can improve the coherence, effectiveness, and sustainability of public governance in support of its long-term national goals.

Thailand could consider:

• Formalising cross-cutting mandates and clarifying roles across key CoG institutions and line ministries, to reduce fragmentation and promote joined-up implementation of complex reforms.

• Empowering the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission to lead coordination on cross-cutting priorities such as net zero, backed by an appropriate internal structure and a streamlined system of sub-committees.

• Strengthening the Office of the National Economics and Social Development Council’s strategic planning leadership by equipping it to issue guidance, build capacity, and support alignment across national and sectoral strategies.

Roles and responsibilities for cross-cutting issues

While Thailand has a robust strategic planning framework, the complexity and number of plans present challenges for policy alignment and co-ordination. The scan highlights how the Thai CoG interacts with line ministries, local governments, and other stakeholders for cross-cutting governance and where improvements can be made. Achieving net zero requires a clear distribution of roles and responsibilities across different levels of government.

Thailand could consider:

• Clarifying and consolidating mandates among the Office of the National Economics and Social Development Council, Office of the Public Sector Development Commission, and line ministries to improve co-ordination on cross-cutting issues including net zero policies.

• Streamlining governance structures, including committees and working groups, to reduce duplication and enhance decision-making efficiency.

Enhancing policy development for cross-cutting issues

Effective policy development requires cohesive governance structures, modern policy frameworks, and strong public sector capacity. The scan assesses Thailand’s current policy development processes and how the CoG can improve co-ordination, stakeholder engagement, and resource prioritisation to drive action on net zero. It also highlights the potential of sandbox environments, safe and lower-regulated testing spaces for innovations, and private sector engagement in fostering innovation.

Thailand could consider:

• Deliver capacity building for civil servants and relevant stakeholders on policy development practices, specifically for net zero. This could be done through a mix of training programmes, mentoring, seminars, workshops or knowledge-sharing fora.

• Further strengthening co-ordination mechanisms to ensure policies are developed collaboratively across government and stakeholders.

• Fostering private sector and civil society engagement, integrating regulatory sandboxes and multi-stakeholder consultations to accelerate innovation.

Performance management of cross-cutting issues

A strong monitoring system is critical for tracking progress on net zero. The scan highlights the importance of performance management frameworks, alignment of key performance indicators, and leveraging data for evidence-based decision-making. Improved monitoring can enhance transparency, inform policy adjustments, and ensure accountability across government.

Thailand could consider:

• Developing an integrated performance monitoring framework that aligns key performance indicators across ministries to track net zero implementation.

• Embedding monitoring results into decision-making processes, including Cabinet reviews and budget allocations.

• Enhancing data availability and integration to improve access to information for policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.