Thailand has officially submitted a letter to become a member of BRICS, aiming to be the first member from Southeast Asia. The spokesperson for Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nikorndej Balankura, expressed optimism about a positive response from BRICS.
According to Global Times, experts indicate that BRICS' expansion reflects the desire of Southern countries to strengthen cooperation and achieve a fairer global order. Thailand's membership could also pave the way for other ASEAN countries to join BRICS.
Thailand is targeting BRICS membership at the leaders' summit in Russia in October. It is hoped that by joining, Thailand can enhance its influence in South-South cooperation and contribute to the global order, as reported by Xinhua.
Thailand emphasizes the importance of multilateralism and the role of developing countries on the international stage, aligning with BRICS principles. Membership is also believed to increase Thailand's opportunities on the international stage.
In addition to Thailand, several other countries such as Venezuela, Kazakhstan, and Belarus have also applied to join BRICS.
Joining BRICS offers new opportunities for Thailand in terms of investment, exports, and technological cooperation, according to Wang Youming, director of the Developing Countries Studies Institute at the China Institute of International Studies in Beijing. However, some parties in Thailand oppose this move, claiming it could jeopardize Thailand's position and credibility on the international stage.
Thailand's Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, emphasized that BRICS membership is not about supporting any particular side or countering other powers. He views BRICS as an economic opportunity and a platform for developing countries to play a larger role in the global order.
