Maris says Brics role is a step forward

Defends government’s participation of union

Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa defended Thailand’s Brics account, saying it was in the country’s national attention and would be a benefit to the business and international assistance.

Mr Maris was addressing Senate concerns about the advantages and disadvantages of Thailand joining the clustering on Monday. &nbsp, He said being a Brics part would keep Thailand’s appearance on the international stage where, along with other developing nations, it could have a voice in addressing political challenges.

The state will also derive more benefits from the development of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual stability and strength protection by joining, he said.

” Joining the Brics collaboration is appropriate as it is a huge industry with high potential and may make vitality in developing countries like Thailand”, he said, adding that Thailand’s shared aim with other developing nations is to drive for multilateralism to create a balance of interests among nations.

Brics is a bloc of major emerging economies and comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia as full members.

Thailand was one of 13 official Brics new partner countries joining on Jan 1, following an earlier invitation by Russian President Vladimir Putin when Russia chaired the bloc in 2024. Brazil is the current chair.

The foreign minister also said that apart from Brics, Thailand is playing a part in other international cooperative frameworks, including the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework ( IPEF), the Greater Mekong Subregion ( GMS ), the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development ( OECD ), and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ( Apec).

He also mentioned the EU-Thailand Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA ) and ongoing negotiations with the European Union on a free trade agreement.

Upon joining Brics, Mr Maris said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ‘ Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs had held a discussion with the Council of State on the related legality immediately after receiving the invitation from Russia.

The conclusion was that Thailand’s acceptance of the invitation to join Brics was not equivalent to being party to a treaty, thus, no parliamentary approval was required under Section 178 of the constitution, he said.