OECD (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – International Org.)

Context: Thailand is exploring membership in BRICS and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) following an invitation from the Paris-based organization to commence accession talks.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

• About: OECD is an association of 38 member countries, most being rich developed nations that attract migrant workers and students. 
• India is not a member of OECD.
• Founded:  1961, by 18 European nations, plus the United States and Canada.
• Headquarters: Paris, France.
• Members: The majority of OECD members are high-income economies with a very high Human Development Index (HDI) and are regarded as developed countries. 
• Aim: Fostering economic development and cooperation and fighting poverty through the promotion of economic stability.
• Objective: To shape policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and well-being for all.
• Reports and Indices by OECD:

oGovernment at a Glance 2017 report.

oInternational Migration Outlook.

oOECD Better Life Index.

Thailand

• Location: It is situated in the heart of Southeast Asia.
• Historical Background: A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century, originally known as Siam. The country adopted the name Thailand, meaning "Land of the Free," in 1939.
• Borders: Thailand shares borders with Myanmar to the north and northwest, Lao PDR and Cambodia to the east, Malaysia and the Gulf of Thailand to the south, and the Andaman Sea to the southwest.
• Mountains: The highest peak in Thailand is Doi Inthanon.