The 20Year National Strategy (2017–2036) and Thailand’s Path Beyond the Middle-Income Trap and State Failure

Abstract

This article examines the underlying principles and rationale—or “strategic intent”—behind the formulation of the national goals (ends), namely security, prosperity, and sustainability, as articulated in Thailand’s 20-Year National Strategy (2017–2036). The study further analyzes the means for implementation, as well as the constraints and challenges encountered in the strategic process, and proposes policy recommendations to address these obstacles in order to achieve the Strategy’s objectives.

Specifically, the article focuses on six key strategic pillars: (1) national security; (2) enhancing national competitiveness; (3) human resource development and capacity building; (4) social inclusion and equality; (5) environmentally friendly growth and quality-of-life–oriented development (green growth); and (6) rebalancing and reforming public sector governance and administration. Through this analysis, the article aims to contribute to Thailand’s efforts to escape the middle-income trap and to prevent the risk of state failure.