Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to strengthen cooperation across a range of sectors during bilateral talks in Kazan, Russia, on June 18. The discussions covered security, energy, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, public health, education and tourism, while both sides also committed to expanding trade and investment links.
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The meeting took place at the Kazan International Congress Centre on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit. Government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek said the talks were held in a friendly atmosphere, with Anutin describing Russia as a long-standing and important partner of Thailand.
Putin welcomed the close relationship between the two countries and noted that Thailand and Russia are preparing to celebrate the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027. Both leaders also agreed that Russia will host the 9th meeting of the Thai-Russian Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation in Moscow in August 2026 to help advance practical cooperation.
The leaders discussed political and security issues, including the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on energy security and global supply chains. Thailand expressed appreciation for Russian support in areas such as clean energy, liquefied natural gas (LNG), petrochemical products and fertilisers.
Both countries agreed to expand cooperation in defence, information security, public health, science, technology and education. Thailand also reiterated the importance it places on relations with Russia as a major global power and signalled its readiness to strengthen cooperation through bilateral, regional and multilateral frameworks.
Economic cooperation featured prominently in the talks. Both sides acknowledged that bilateral trade, currently valued at around US$1.5 billion, remains below its potential. The Thai-Russian business council has expressed interest in increasing trade in consumer goods and identifying new commercial opportunities.
Pictures courtesy of The Nation
Thailand confirmed it will continue negotiations on a free trade agreement between Thailand and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to improve trade, investment and market access. Anutin also highlighted the success of last year’s Russian-Thai Investment Forum, which is scheduled to return to Bangkok in October 2026 to support business networking and economic cooperation.
The discussions also covered multilateral engagement. Thailand thanked Russia for supporting ASEAN and recognised its role in APEC, particularly in promoting innovation, the digital economy, food and energy security, and sustainable development. Thailand additionally expressed its willingness to cooperate with Russia on cybersecurity, anti-scam measures and broader Asia-Pacific economic initiatives.
Tourism and cultural exchanges were also identified as priorities. Anutin welcomed the nearly two million Russian tourists who visited Thailand in 2025, making Russia one of Thailand’s largest European tourism markets. Thailand also plans to promote Russian music, film and performing arts through future cultural exchange programmes.
The Nation reported that as cooperation expands ahead of the 2027 diplomatic milestone, both governments are expected to use upcoming meetings and forums to translate their commitments into practical projects. Anutin also expressed hope of meeting Putin again at the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting later this year.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 20 June 2026
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