Thailand has accepted Russia’s invitation to join BRICS as a partner state, aiming to enhance trade and investment, while remaining neutral regarding Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Key Points
- Thailand has accepted Russia’s invitation to become a BRICS partner state, as announced by Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nikondet Phalangkun on December 26. The decision follows an invitation received on October 31 and a positive response from the Cabinet on December 24.
- Joining BRICS, a bloc of emerging economies including Russia, China, and India, is expected to benefit Thailand in trade, investment, and food and energy security.
- Thailand maintained neutrality during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, not imposing sanctions but voting in favor of UN resolutions for Russia’s withdrawal, drawing criticism from Ukraine regarding its choice to align with BRICS.
Thailand has formally accepted an invitation from Russia to become a BRICS partner state, as announced by Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nikondet Phalangkun during a press briefing on December 26. The BRICS group, which includes key global players like Russia, China, India, and Brazil, serves as a coalition of emerging economies that positions itself as an alternative to Western-dominated frameworks. The official invitation to Thailand was extended on October 31, 2023, coinciding with Russia’s impending chairmanship of the group in 2024.
The Thai Cabinet convened on December 24 and resolved to respond affirmatively to the invitation, citing the expected advantages of joining this economic alliance. Phalangkun underscored the anticipated benefits for Thailand, particularly in enhancing trade, investment, food security, and energy security. Thailand’s decision reflects a strategic pivot towards greater integration with this coalition of emerging markets.
This acceptance of the invitation comes on the heels of significant developments within BRICS, including the recent induction of four new member states—Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates—marking the bloc’s first expansion since South Africa joined in 2010. This expansion was underscored by a BRICS summit that Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted in Kazan in October 2024, which attracted participation from 36 global leaders.
Despite its alignment with BRICS, Thailand has navigated a complex diplomatic path since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Thai government opted for neutrality, refraining from imposing sanctions on Moscow or supplying weaponry to Kyiv, although Thailand did support multiple UN resolutions advocating for Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine. This nuanced stance illustrates Thailand’s efforts to balance its international relations amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.
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