Bangkok: Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterates Thailand’s commitment to BRICS partnership, preserving national interests, increasing competitiveness, strengthening cooperation among countries, not taking sides, and moving forward with Thailand-EU FTA negotiations.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Marist Sengiampong, Minister of Foreign Affairs, responded to a senator’s inquiry regarding Thailand’s involvement with the BRICS group of countries. He highlighted that joining BRICS aligns with Thailand’s economic diplomacy policy aimed at safeguarding national interests, enhancing competitiveness, and elevating Thailand’s international role. BRICS, comprising emerging economies, is pivotal in empowering developing nations, including Thailand, to navigate geopolitical challenges, technological advancements, and other global issues. Mr. Marist emphasized Thailand’s approach to strengthen cooperation without bias, engaging bilaterally and multilaterally through diverse frameworks to bolster the nation.
Mr. Marist affirmed the appropriateness of Thailand’s association with BRICS, describing it as a promising market that could invigorate developing countries. He underscored Thailand’s shared objective with its counterparts to advocate for a global multilateral system attentive to developing nations, promoting a balanced benefit distribution between developed and developing countries.
Regarding Russia’s acceptance of Thailand into the BRICS Partners Meeting, Mr. Marist noted that the Department of Treaties and Laws had consulted with the Council of State. They concluded that Thailand’s acceptance was a unilateral intent expression and not a treaty, thus not necessitating parliamentary approval under Section 178 of the Constitution.
Beyond BRICS, Mr. Marist highlighted Thailand’s active participation in other cooperation frameworks, including those led by the United States, such as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). Thailand’s significant role in infrastructure development within the IPEF group and its broader economic collaboration within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and other initiatives like APEC and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) economic project were noted.
Mr. Marist stated that Thailand’s involvement in various frameworks underscores its commitment to development without creating obstacles. He emphasized the importance of trade cooperation, particularly with the European Union, through the EU-Thailand Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), focusing on development rather than geopolitical entanglements.
Furthermore, Mr. Marist discussed ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union. He mentioned the recently signed agreement between Thailand and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), highlighting Thailand’s strategic balance in international relations, focusing on national interests without aligning with specific geopolitical poles.
In discussions with numerous global leaders, including those from the United States, Mr. Marist reiterated Thailand’s consistent cooperation stance and willingness to enhance the longstanding special relationship with the United States.