Despite being criticized, here are 3 reasons why Thailand wants to join BRICS in the near future

JAKARTA – Thailand joins BRICS is now a hot topic of discussion. There are several reasons why the White Elephant Country really wants to join this rising organization.

As reported by Reuters, Thailand hopes to become a member of the BRICS group of developing countries at the organization’s next summit in Russia next October.

Previously, Thailand had submitted an official letter of request to join BRICS and hoped to get a positive response, said Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura, in a bid to become the group’s first member from Southeast Asia.

3 Reasons Thailand Joined BRICS

1. Prioritize Multilateralism

Quoted from the Global Times, Thailand emphasized the importance of prioritizing multilateralism and strengthening the role of developing countries in the international arena, which is in line with the principles of BRICS. Basically, Thailand wants to participate in the group to increase the opportunity to build many bilateral relations on the international stage.

2. Want developing countries to play a big role on the economic side

Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, sees the BRICS network of countries as an economic opportunity and talks about justice and equality for developing countries. “This is about developing countries playing a bigger role in controlling world affairs,” he said on June 13, 2024 at the BRICS event.

Thailand hopes its membership will increase its participation in international economic policy and “create a new world order,” according to a press statement by government spokesman Chai Wacharonke.

In this regard, Thailand can encourage more countries in Southeast Asia to take steps forward, as Malaysia and Indonesia have also expressed interest in joining BRICS.

3. Contribute to Making BRICS Expand into Southeast Asia

As previously explained, Thailand’s enthusiasm for joining BRICS supports China and Russia’s efforts to expand their economic influence in Southeast Asia. Soumya Bhowmick, research fellow at the Observer Research Foundation in Kolkata, said “by joining BRICS, Thailand can contribute to the bloc’s collective influence in global economic policy, thereby supporting China and Russia’s strategic objectives in the Southeast Asia region.”

Those are three reasons why Thailand will join BRICS in the near future. However, there are several figures who criticize the kingdom’s state policies. An article in the Bangkok Post claimed that Thailand’s entry into the BRICS was a misguided move and caused harm to the country’s international standing and credibility amidst the “West” vs “Other Countries” conflict. However, Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa emphasized that this action did not show support for any party or an attempt to counter the power of another party.

(nng)