Per the government announcement, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on September 10, 2026, that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, will lead the Thai delegation to the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi. This event, scheduled for September 12-13, 2026, represents Thailand’s continued partnership within the BRICS framework, a cooperation initiative involving 10 member and 10 partner countries. The statement does not mention the specific rationale for Thailand’s participation beyond the stated aim of strengthening cooperation among BRICS member and partner countries. The summit’s theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” reflects the current global landscape as identified by the BRICS leaders.
Background
Thailand became a partner country of BRICS in January 2025. This year, 2026, marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of BRICS. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited this milestone as a key factor in the decision to maintain and strengthen Thailand’s engagement with the organization. The statement does not address the specific historical context surrounding the formation of BRICS or the evolution of its membership. Prior statements by this same ministry, including a meeting between the Prime Minister and foreign Ambassadors and Consuls-General on September 7, 2026, and a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil on September 11, 2022, demonstrate a consistent focus on bilateral engagement and multilateral cooperation within the broader framework of Thailand’s foreign policy.
Analysis
The Deputy Prime Minister’s attendance at the BRICS Summit underscores Thailand’s strategic positioning within the evolving global governance landscape. The summit’s stated focus on food security, innovation, responses to cybercrime, and sustainable development aligns with Thailand’s own policy priorities, particularly regarding economic diversification and technological advancement. The invitation from India, currently chairing BRICS, suggests a deliberate effort to maintain and expand Thailand’s international influence. The focus on “inclusive global growth” signals a desire to shape the multilateral system to better reflect the interests of developing nations. The statement does not address Thailand’s specific economic interests within the BRICS framework or the potential impact of the summit on Thailand’s trade relations with BRICS member countries.
Implications
For policymakers, the summit presents an opportunity to solidify Thailand’s role as a bridge between BRICS and ASEAN. The bilateral meetings scheduled during the summit are likely to focus on deepening cooperation in areas of mutual benefit, potentially including trade, investment, and security. Should the visit yield concrete agreements on these fronts, it would strengthen Thailand’s position as a key player in regional stability. The summit’s emphasis on reforming global governance could also inform Thailand’s approach to international institutions and its advocacy for greater representation of developing countries.
Outlook
If the visit yields agreements to strengthen cooperation on food security and sustainable development, Thailand could position itself as a regional leader in addressing these challenges. Should the summit successfully promote dialogue on reforming global governance, it could provide a platform for Thailand to advocate for greater inclusivity within international institutions. The statement does not predict the outcome of the bilateral meetings or the summit’s broader impact on Thailand’s foreign policy. The success of Thailand’s engagement will depend on its ability to translate commitments into tangible outcomes.
Conclusion
The Deputy Prime Minister’s participation in the BRICS Summit highlights Thailand’s ongoing efforts to navigate a complex and volatile global environment. The question remains: can Thailand effectively leverage its position as a BRICS partner to advance its own economic and strategic interests within the evolving landscape of global governance?
Sources & Further Reading
- Official press release
- Foreign ministry source
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs attends a meeting between the Prime Minister and foreign Ambassadors and Consuls-General to Thailand (7 Sep 2026)
- Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore to pay an official visit to Thailand to attend the 5th Thailand – Singapore Leaders’ Retreat (1 Sep 2026)
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil during his official visit to Thailand (11 Sep 202)
