For the fourth year in a row, Thailand has once again claimed the top spot for its commendable progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among Southeast Asian countries.
The country has also achieved the number one ranking in East and South Asia, excluding Asian countries of the Organization for Economic and Co-operation Development (OECD) members, such as Japan and South Korea.
Thailand succeeded in reaching an SDG Index score of 74.7/100 in 2023, placing it in the 43rd position out of 166 countries. Thailand’s spillover score of 88.2/100 indicated a positive outcome, suggesting fewer negative spillover effects.
The United Nations has adopted the SDGs since 2015, which aim to address poverty, protect the planet, and promote peace and prosperity for all human beings by 2030. Among the 17 SDGs, Thailand has successfully accomplished two goals. These include SDG 1 for eradicating poverty and SDG 4 for quality education. Their scores towards clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) and affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) were consistently on track to achieve the goals.
Thailand's continuous and esteemed track record showcases the high level of the government’s commitment to fulfilling the SDGs, with a total policy score of 67/100.
Following Thailand, Vietnam attained the 55th rank worldwide with a score of 73.32. Singapore’s 2023 SDG Index score of 71.78 makes it to the 64th global position.
Indonesia and Malaysia ranked closely on the world podium, with Indonesia securing 75th place and Malaysia in 78th place. While the Philippines stood on the 98th, Brunei Darussalam was only four ranks behind at the 102nd.
Laos and Myanmar were listed on the two lowest ranks in the region, or at the world’s 115th and 125th, respectively. No data is available for Timor-Leste.
