Thailand’s BRICS dreams: Up in the air but not grounded yet

[webfact]

Thailand’s bid for membership in the influential BRICS international organisation remains up in the air, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The Government of Thailand is currently weighing the economic implications of joining this powerful bloc, with a decision pending in the House.

 

BRICS, which boasts heavyweights like Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the UAE, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia, is a key player on the global stage.

 

Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, appointed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, attended a series of meetings in Kazan, Russia, yesterday, October 31, an invitation extended by none other than Russian President Vladimir Putin. This highlights Thailand’s intention to deepen its ties with BRICS, said the MFA.

 

“Thailand reaffirmed its determination to elevate its engagement with BRICS, as expressed in a letter of interest to join the bloc as a full member back in June.”

 

Amid swirling reports that Thailand had been officially welcomed as a BRICS partner, Nikorndej Balankura, the ministry’s spokesperson, clarified that no confirmation has been received.

 

This speculation emerged following Maris’s participation in the BRICS Plus Summit in Kazan, where news of Thailand’s potential partnership began circulating on social media.

A post from the BRICS News account stated, “BRICS decides not to accept any new full members for 2024. However, 13 new nations have been accepted as official partner countries, working towards full membership in the future.”

 

The statement outlined the current BRICS members (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the UAE, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia) while naming Thailand among the new official partners, which also include Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam, said spokesperson Nikorndej.

 

“We need to receive official notification from the BRICS chair, which is Russia. We are hopeful about being recognised as a BRICS partner, but I cannot confirm anything until we get the official document.”

 

by Bob Scott
Picture courtesy of Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung

 

Source: The Thaiger 

-- 2024-11-01

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

13 minutes ago, webfact said:

BRICS, which boasts heavyweights like Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the UAE, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia, is a key player on the global stage.

 

Heavyweights in what?

Invasions?

Corruption?

Anti human rights and free speech?

[John Drake]

If Thailand joins this club of dictators, the US and Europe should remove Thailand from existing economic/trade agreements. Time for their to be consequences for actions.