Thailand is moving forward with plans to strengthen its blue economy, working closely with the World Bank on a range of initiatives. The country aims to launch its first sovereign blue bond, which would finance sustainable ocean-based development projects.
According to a recent World Bank report, "Innovative Blue Financing Solutions in Thailand," marine resources and the 3,000 kilometers of coastline across 23 provinces are vital for the national economy. These areas contribute nearly 30 percent of Thailand’s GDP and provide about 26 percent of jobs. However, issues such as coastal erosion, pollution, overuse, and underinvestment are threatening these resources. Over the last thirty years, around 30 percent of Thai coastlines have eroded, leading to economic losses estimated at $1.3 billion.
The report also found that blue bonds could be an effective financing tool for Thailand’s needs. There is increasing investor interest in this area; outstanding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) bonds reached THB 659 billion (about $20.3 billion) in 2023—a rise of 35 percent from the previous year.
“As Thailand prepares to host the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings in October 2026, the country has the potential to highlight its rich oceanic resources and its leadership in blue economy innovation,” said Melinda Good, World Bank Division Director for Thailand and Myanmar. “We are proud to support the government’s vision that delivers long-term benefits for people and the planet—helping to create new jobs and livelihoods while protecting marine ecosystems for future generations.”
The World Bank is providing technical assistance on several fronts. It is collaborating with Thailand’s Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment through PROBLUE—a multi-donor trust fund—to develop a National Marine Spatial Planning Framework. This framework will assess current conditions along the coastlines, resolve resource-use conflicts, design participatory policies, and evaluate economic impacts tied to integrated coastal management. The aim is to guide both public and private investment decisions by balancing growth with environmental sustainability.
Discussions between the World Bank and PDMO also include other possible investments such as measures against coastal erosion using nature-based solutions like mangrove restoration; support for sustainable tourism; and improvements in data systems for marine spatial planning.
Additionally, under Thailand's Low Carbon Cities Program—also supported by the World Bank—urban centers are being encouraged to reduce emissions by investing in green infrastructure. In this context, mangrove restoration can help generate blue carbon credits while drawing private investment into coastal protection efforts.
These efforts demonstrate Thailand’s focus on sustainable ocean-based development as part of its broader environmental strategy.