In Thailand, prior to COVID-19, achieving the SDGs required an estimated 1.27 trillion THB per year, or 11.6% of GDP, rising to 1.4 trillion THB post-pandemic. With SDG data availability at 64% as of 2024, this underscores the importance of bridging local data gaps and institutionalising SDG monitoring.

In response, with support from the Joint SDG Fund, UNDP launches an SDG Profile Guideline built on Thailand’s first provincial SDG profiles, developed for 15 pilot provinces with funding from the European Union. This provides a systemic approach to monitoring progress in each province, alongside Financial Mechanism Assessments for Udon Thani and Surat Thani that can guide other provinces in aligning, channelling, and mobilising resources for the SDGs.

Meanwhile, UN-Habitat is advancing SDG monitoring through the Voluntary Local Review (VLR) Framework, which goes beyond statistical data to capture community perceptions and perspectives on sustainable development in their areas. The VLR Framework uses lessons learned from cities in assessing their SDG progress and identify concrete actions to achieve sustainable development. For instance, in Koh Samui strong community concern over wastewater management amid growing tourism has led to local support for initiatives to tackle this issue. Building on successes from VLR processes in Ko Samui, Surat Thani, Udon Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat, the VLR Framework will now guide other municipalities across Thailand in their journey toward more sustainable cities. 

Together, these joint UN efforts bring a set of expertise that strengthens both monitoring and financing systems, supporting Thailand accelerate targeted investment, ensure SDG action responds to local realities, and advance its path toward sustainable development.