Thailand has formally requested India’s support in its bid to become a full member of BRICS, marking a significant step in Bangkok’s expanding engagement with emerging global governance structures.
The request was conveyed during a meeting between Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry announced.
According to the official statement, “The foreign minister requested India’s support for Thailand’s interest in joining BRICS during India’s BRICS chairmanship in 2026.” The two diplomats also exchanged views on current geopolitical dynamics and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in various multilateral forums.
Thailand has been steadily advancing its path toward full BRICS integration. In June 2024, Bangkok notified Russia—then serving as the grouping’s chair—of its intention to join as a full member. Moscow subsequently granted Thailand the status of a “BRICS Partner Country,” effective January 1, 2025.
Thailand welcomed this decision as a crucial milestone. Officials in Bangkok described the partner-country designation as “an essential step toward future full membership.”
The latest expansion of BRICS has accelerated global interest in the bloc. BRICS, initially founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, expanded in 2011 with South Africa. Additional members have joined in recent years, including Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Nigeria. Several nations—among them Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, and Vietnam—have also obtained partner-country status.
Thailand’s push to join BRICS aligns with a broader shift among developing economies seeking a more influential voice in multipolar global governance structures. Bangkok views BRICS as an opportunity to enhance regional cooperation, diversify economic partnerships, and elevate its strategic presence on the world stage.
