Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow meets Russian officials in Moscow on August 13. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs-Thailand)
On August 13, Thailand and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations as Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, with both sides seeking to deepen political, security and economic cooperation.
The talks, held alongside the ninth session of the Thailand-Russia Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, covered political and security relations, trade and investment, agriculture, tourism and culture. Thailand also stressed the importance of reducing trade barriers and advancing negotiations for a Thailand-Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Free Trade Agreement.
The visit followed Sihasak’s meetings with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and Bakytzhan Sagintaev, Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission. Discussions focused on expanding bilateral and Thailand-EAEU cooperation, including trade facilitation, energy, agriculture, connectivity, artificial intelligence, e-commerce and green energy.
Thai Deputy Minister Sihasak also met representatives of the Russian-Thai Business Council (RTBC), providing a platform for businesses from both countries to strengthen contacts ahead of the second Russia-Thailand Investment Forum, scheduled to take place in Bangkok in October.
The two governments further signed the sixth Plan of Consultations between their foreign ministries for 2026-2030, establishing a framework for regular diplomatic dialogue and consultation. The agreement comes ahead of the 130th anniversary of Thailand-Russia diplomatic relations in 2027.
Both countries also exchanged views on cooperation through wider multilateral frameworks, including BRICS+, where Thailand holds partner-country status. Bilateral trade with the EAEU exceeded 2 billion US dollar last year, while Russia remains Thailand’s largest trading partner within the bloc.
The expanding partnership reflects Thailand’s effort to maintain diversified external relations while preserving strategic flexibility amid a shifting international environment. Strengthening political dialogue with Moscow alongside economic engagement gives Bangkok additional diplomatic and commercial options beyond its traditional partnerships.
Deeper ties between Russia and Thailand will provide greater access to Southeast Asian markets and reinforce its engagement with ASEAN economies. The continued institutionalisation of bilateral consultations also suggests that both sides are seeking a more structured long-term partnership rather than relying solely on trade-driven relations.
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