On 29 April 2025, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, participated in the BRICS Partnership Session within the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meeting, held in Rio de Janeiro, the Federative Republic of Brazil, at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Mauro Vieira, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil.

The meeting was convened under the theme “The Role of Global South
in Reinforcing Multilateralism”. Discussions focused on the role of developing countries in strengthening a more inclusive and equitable multilateral system for greater benefits to developing nations. Participants also exchanged views on current geopolitical and geo-economic challenges, and explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation between BRICS members and partners in diverse areas.

On this occasion, the Minister of Foreign Affairs delivered a statement reaffirming Thailand’s commitment to advancing cooperation with BRICS, particularly in areas such as development cooperation, education, public health, climate change response, and business-to-business linkages. He also expressed Thailand’s interest and readiness to become a full member of BRICS.

In addition, the Minister of Foreign Affairs held bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of BRICS member countries including Brazil, China, Russia and Ethiopia to underscore Thailand’s intention to deepen her engagement with BRICS and to strengthen mutually beneficial bilateral relations.

Thailand officially became a BRICS partner country on 1 January 2025. This status reflects Thailand’s goal of expanding collaboration with high-potential developing countries, fostering trade, investment, and tourism opportunities, and addressing emerging global challenges, including climate change, public health threats – particularly emerging infectious and tropical diseases, geo-political and geo-economic tensions, and technological transformation.