Thailand has not yet been confirmed as a member of the BRICS international organization, according to statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). During a recent briefing, ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura indicated that the Thai government is still evaluating the economic advantages of joining BRICS before presenting the matter to the House of Representatives for consideration.
BRICS currently comprises nine member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa was appointed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to participate in a series of BRICS meetings held in Kazan, Russia, on October 24, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
At the Kazan summit, Thailand reiterated its commitment to strengthening its engagement with BRICS, as outlined in a letter of interest submitted in June, the MFA reported. However, when questioned about recent reports suggesting that Thailand was approved as an official BRICS partner on October 24, Mr. Balankura clarified that the ministry had not yet verified these claims. The reports appeared on the BRICS News page on X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms, but the MFA emphasized that official confirmation from the BRICS chair, Russia, is still pending.
According to a post on the BRICS News account dated October 24, BRICS decided not to accept any new full members for 2024. Instead, 13 new nations, including Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam, were designated as “Official BRICS Partner Countries.” These partner countries will participate in BRICS initiatives and may pursue full membership in the future.
Mr. Balankura stated, “According to the normal procedure, we must receive official notification from the BRICS chair, which is Russia. We hope that we can be a BRICS partner, but I cannot verify that it is true until the ministry receives the official confirmation document from the chair.”
While Thailand expresses a strong desire to join BRICS and enhance its role within the bloc, the final decision remains contingent upon official approval from the existing BRICS members. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to monitor developments and await formal communication regarding Thailand’s status within BRICS.
