The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced that Russia, the 2024 BRICS chair, confirmed Thailand’s new status. BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently expanded to include nine new members: the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Thailand.
Additionally, 13 countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia from Southeast Asia, have joined as partner nations. The MFA stated that Thailand’s partnership with BRICS builds on its cooperation with the group since 2017, when it joined the BRICS Plus mechanism. This partnership is expected to enhance economic ties in trade, investment, and tourism, and strengthen people-to-people connections between Thailand and other BRICS members and partners.
Thailand has also expressed its readiness to serve as a bridge builder between BRICS and other regions. Thailand’s BRICS partnership also opens doors for expanded collaboration in areas like energy, technology, and sustainable development. The MFA emphasized Thailand’s unique geographic and economic position as a gateway to ASEAN markets, enhancing BRICS’ outreach. Experts believe this alignment will create mutual benefits, boosting Thailand’s global presence and regional influence significantly.
