Bangkok, March 10, 2025 – Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to its new role as a BRICS partner country, effective January 2025, during a recent statement. The partnership, announced by Russia as the 2024 BRICS chair, aims to protect Thailand’s national interests, enhance its global competitiveness, and deepen economic collaboration with BRICS nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE.
The move builds on Thailand’s longstanding engagement with BRICS, which began in 2017 through the BRICS Plus mechanism. Key areas of cooperation include trade, investment, and tourism, with Thailand positioning itself as a bridge between BRICS and regional groups like ASEAN and APEC. Minister Sangiampongsa emphasized Thailand’s non-aligned stance, focusing on fostering international partnerships without favoring any single bloc.
Additionally, Thailand is actively pursuing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union to further expand its economic opportunities. The announcement follows Thailand’s participation in the BRICS Plus Summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, where the country reiterated its aspirations to elevate ties with the BRICS bloc.
