Thailand attempts to strike a balance with BRICS and OECD bids

New foreign minister makes first visits to China, India and Saudi Arabia

20240716 Maris Sangiampongsa and Modi

Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pave the way for Thailand to join the BRICS grouping. (Photo from Maris Sangiampongsa's X)

FRANCESCA REGALADO, Nikkei staff writer

BANGKOK -- Thailand has gained the geopolitical spotlight with its bid to become a BRICS member when the group of emerging economies, which includes China and Russia, holds a summit in October, at the same time beginning the yearslong process to join the Western-dominated OECD.

Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa last week made his first official visit to China and India, both BRICS founding members, before opening a Board of Investment office in Saudi Arabia, the first such outpost in the Middle East.

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