Bangkok: The Prime Minister is set to fly to Russia on June 17th to attend ASEAN-Russia forums to promote the economy and energy sectors. Today, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to attend the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit on June 17-18, 2026, in Kazan, Russian Federation. The summit aims to expand economic, trade, investment, and energy cooperation opportunities to create tangible benefits for Thailand and its people. The Prime Minister will depart Thailand in the afternoon of Tuesday, June 16, after the Cabinet meeting.
According to Thai News Agency, the spokesperson for the Prime Minister stated that the Prime Minister prioritizes using international forums as a tool to create economic opportunities for the country. During this trip, he will participate in leaders' meetings, hold discussions with the ASEAN-Russia private sector, and meet with leaders of ASEAN member states, including President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, as well as leading business representatives, to promote cooperation that can be further developed into trade, investment, and future economic collaboration.
Ms. Rachada emphasized that the Prime Minister has instructed all relevant agencies that participation in international forums must produce tangible results for the country, not just be about attending meetings. It must be able to open new markets, create opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs, attract investment, and enhance the country's long-term competitiveness.
Ms. Rachada further stated that during times of global economic and geopolitical volatility, Thailand needs to broaden its cooperation with trading partners and economic allies to ensure stability and mitigate risks from external factors. Russia plays a crucial role in global supply chains, including energy, fertilizers, and essential raw materials for production, while Thailand has potential in agricultural products, food, and processed industries, which can be further developed to expand trade value between the two countries.
This trip therefore presents a significant opportunity to create new avenues for Thai businesses, increase export opportunities for Thai products to potential markets, build upon cooperation in energy and food security, and attract investment in sectors that benefit the country's economic development. This will ultimately create jobs, generate income, and improve the quality of life for the people in the long term.
Furthermore, Thailand will use this platform to promote cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, as well as to connect businesses and people between ASEAN and Russia. This will enhance Thailand's competitiveness and create new economic opportunities in the future.
This special ASEAN-Russia Summit was held to commemorate the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations and serves as an important platform for Thailand to advance its economic diplomacy policy, seeking new opportunities and creating maximum benefits for the country and its people.