June 17, 2026, at 1000hrs (Kazan, Russia local time), at Bashir Rameev IT Park, Kazan, the Russian Federation, Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek disclosed that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul attended the ASEAN-Russia Business Forum, together with Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng and Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, where he delivered a statement at the opening of the Forum to emphasize Thailand’s potential and capacity as economic, trade and investment hub connecting Russia and ASEAN. He also took the opportunity to extend an invitation for Russian businesses to use Thailand as trade and investment base to reach out to over 700 million ASEAN citizens.

As this year marks the 35 years of relations, partnership between ASEAN and Russia has continued to evolve, supported not only by cooperation among Governments, but also by the growing ties between business communities. Amid the profound change in the global economy with new technologies transforming industries, supply chains evolving, andbusinesses navigating an increasingly complex global environment, opportunities also emerge for those prepared to adapt, innovate, and explore new partnerships. 

Thailand is actively transforming into a greener, smarter and more future-oriented economy. The country is undergoing economic restructuring and regulatory reform to open up new economic opportunities. Initiatives such as the FastPass initiative helped Thailand achieve the biggest FDI volume in the past 10 years last year. Thailand’s strengths lie not only in attractiveness for foreign investments. It is also a regional leader in food and agriculture, tourism, medical services and green transition; and is investing in advanced industries, such as digital ecosystems, data center, chip manufacturing and semi-conductors.

The Prime Minister also highlighted 3 key areas that can help shape a new chapter of economic cooperation between ASEAN and Russia:

First, connectivity.

Connectivity is the foundation of economic growth. Located at the heart of mainland Southeast Asia, Thailand is well positioned to serve as a strategic gateway connecting Russian businesses to ASEAN’s dynamic and growing market of 700 million people. The country offers modern infrastructure and logistics systems, deep-sea ports, aviation networks, and growing digital connectivity. Together with its extensive trade and business networks, these advantages make Thailand an attractive platform for companies seeking opportunities across Southeast Asia.

As one of ASEAN’s leading digital economies, Thailand is also actively investing in digital infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, smart industries, and emerging technologies. This will complement the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement which will be signed later this year, contributing to a more integrated, secure, and inclusive digital market.

Second, trade and investment.

Amid various challenges presented by geopolitical and geoeconomic uncertainty, Russia and Thailand need to uphold multilateral trading system, diversify markets and enhance food and energy security. Russia is the world’s largest natural gas reserves and ranks the second largest natural gas producer, while Thailand is a leading global food producer. The two nations can indeed complement each other economically.

Thailand particularly welcomes the increased interest of Russian investments, through the Russian-Thai Investment Forum, held last November in Phuket, especially in areas of digital, agriculture, tourism and creative economy. The country also looks forward to participating in the Eastern Economic Forum or EEF in Vladivostok this September, and remains committed to maintaining an open, predictable, and business-friendly environment. To advance economic cooperation, the value in launching negotiations on a Thai-EAEU FTA is realized to facilitate trade and create new economic opportunities for the businesses.

Third, people-to-people exchanges.

Strong economic partnerships are ultimately built on strong relationships between people. Tourism, education, cultural exchanges, and business mobility play a vital role in fostering mutual understanding and long-term cooperation. Thailand is pleased to welcome approximately 2 million Russian tourists every year, many of whom also call Thailand their second home. Thailand looks forward to enhancing tourism cooperation with Russia, especially in wellness and medical tourism. This not only creates economic opportunities but also contributes to the well-being and quality of life of people of both countries.

Furthermore, Thailand sees strong potential for forging cooperation with Russia in creative

economy. This can be built on the strong people-to-people ties and growing cultural exchanges. Thailand looks forward to enhance partnerships between creative industries and cultural organizations of the both countries to help generate economic value and strengthen cultural linkages between Thailand and Russia. 

The Prime Minister added that Thailand and Russia will commemorate the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year. Thailand values this long-standing partnership, as well as the potential to further strengthen bilateral economic collaboration. By enhancing connectivity, advancing trade and investment, and deepening people-to-people exchanges, the two nations can unlock new opportunities for businesses, build more resilient economies, and bring them closer together. Thailand stands ready to work with Russia and ASEAN colleagues to advance these goals and to build a more connected, innovative, and prosperous future for all.