Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa has reaffirmed Thailand’s unwavering commitment to BRICS, saying that Thailand would proactively engage in efforts to deepen cooperation within and alongside BRICS – fostering a multilateralism that is inclusive, equitable, and anchored in solidarity with the Global South.

Mr. Maris participated in the BRICS Partnership Session during the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting on 29 April 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This meeting marked an important opportunity for Thailand to participate for the first time as a BRICS Partner Country and to play a constructive role in enhancing collaboration among developing countries, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In his statement at the session, held under the theme “The Role of Global South in Reinforcing Multilateralism,” Mr. Maris proposed some thoughts on how BRICS could further reinforce multilateral cooperation. 

He said, “First, we must unlock and fully leverage our collective economic and development potential. I propose that we prioritize strengthening business-to-business linkages, technological and educational exchanges, and development cooperation. Thailand is ready to explore trilateral development initiatives with BRICS members in support of other developing countries.

“Second, we must enhance our collective resilience to future uncertainties. In particular, we should focus on strengthening public health systems. Thailand stands ready to collaborate with BRICS, especially in vaccine research and development, as well as tropical diseases.

“Third, we must seize every opportunity to consult and align our efforts at upcoming global forums.”

Mr. Maris congratulated Indonesia, which is an ASEAN member state, on its accession to BRICS earlier this year. Thailand also reaffirmed its aspiration and commitment to become a full member of BRICS soonest.

He said that Thailand has always been an active proponent of multilateralism as a guarantor of peace and economic stability and that Thailand firmly believes in its value and necessity. As Chair of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (or ACD), Thailand looks forward to engaging BRICS and the New Development Bank in the upcoming ACD High-Level Conference on International Financial Architecture later this year.

BRICS is a multilateral cooperation framework among high-potential developing countries. It consists of 10 member states and nine partner countries from diverse regions, collectively representing nearly half of the world’s population. BRICS focuses on three main pillars of cooperation, namely (1) politics and security, (2) economy and finance, and (3) cultural and people-to-people exchanges, encompassing a wide range of sectors. Thailand began its engagement with BRICS in 2017, when it was invited to participate in the first BRICS Plus Leaders’ Meeting in Xiamen, the People’s Republic of China.