BANGKOK, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Thailand views BRICS as an important platform to support international trade and investment flows and expand economic cooperation with a wider range of countries, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said.
In an exclusive interview with TV BRICS, Sihasak said BRICS brings together member states and partner countries, creating a broad platform for economic engagement.
"BRICS can play a very important role in maintaining the free flow of trade and investment. The group can also be a vehicle for all of us to engage and to look at economic opportunities," Sihasak said as reported by TV BRICS.
Sihasak said deeper engagement with BRICS would complement Thailand’s broader economic strategy, particularly as the country prepares to chair ASEAN in 2028, with a focus on regional economic integration and maintaining ASEAN centrality.
He also highlighted connectivity as crucial to expanding trade and investment, citing the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway as a potential major corridor linking Southeast Asia with South Asia.
“Once it’s completed, it will be a major corridor for trade and also investment and people-to-people ties,” he said.
Sihasak said the highway could boost trade between Thailand, Myanmar and India while strengthening economic links between Southeast Asia and South Asia.
He also stressed the need for close cooperation between governments and the private sector, saying governments should create favourable conditions while businesses ultimately drive economic activity.
Thailand joined BRICS as a partner country in 2025 and is seeking full membership this year.
-- NNN-BERNAMA