BANGKOK, September 1, 2025 - Thailand is accelerating efforts to unlock the potential of its blue economy, with strong technical support from the World Bank, including plans for the country's first sovereign blue bond to finance sustainable ocean-based development.
The country's 23 coastal provinces and 3,000 kilometers of coastline and marine resources account for nearly 30 percent of GDP and about 26 percent of jobs, according to Innovative Blue Financing Solutions in Thailand, a new World Bank report. Mounting pressures from coastal erosion, pollution, overuse, and underinvestment threaten these resources. Over the past three decades, about 30 percent of the country's coastlines have eroded, resulting in economic losses of US$1.3 billion.
A readiness assessment highlighted in the report found blue bonds to be a promising instrument for Thailand, supported by growing investor interest and policy momentum. Thailand's outstanding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) bonds reached THB 659 billion (US$20.3) in 2023, a 35 percent increase from 2022.
"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 key technical assistance for Thailand on the blue economy and is working with Thailand's Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to develop a National Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) Framework through PROBLUE- a multi-donor trust fund that supports the sustainable and integrated development of marine and coastal resources in a healthy ocean. The framework aims to assess current conditions, resolve conflicts in resource use, design participatory policies, and evaluate the economic impacts of integrated coastal and marine management. It will guide future public and private investment decisions, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
The World Bank is also discussing additional innovative investment solutions for the blue economy with PDMO. These include technical assistance and investments focused on protecting coastal erosion and mangrove restoration through nature-based solutions; supporting sustainable tourism; and strengthening Thailand's ocean accounts to support data-driven marine spatial planning and blue economy investments.
The Bank is also supporting Thailand's Low Carbon Cities (LCC) Program, which helps urban centers reduce emissions and invest in green infrastructure. Under the LCC, mangrove restoration efforts can be structured to generate blue carbon credits and reduce reliance on public budgets while attracting private investment to scale coastal protection.
These initiatives reflect Thailand's commitment to sustainable ocean-based development and align with its long-term environmental and economic goals.
