On June 18, 2026, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand, held a bilateral discussion with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, during the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, Russia.
Rachada Dhnadirek, Government Spokesperson, revealed that the discussion took place in a cordial atmosphere. The Prime Minister expressed his pleasure at meeting the Russian President and emphasized that Russia is a significant ally to Thailand, sharing a longstanding relationship at all levels. President Putin welcomed the close cooperation between the two countries and affirmed preparations to celebrate the 130th anniversary of Thailand-Russia diplomatic relations in 2027.
Russia will host the 9th Thai-Russian Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation in Moscow in August 2026, which will be a key mechanism to drive more concrete cooperation between the two nations.
On political and security issues, Anutin noted that Thailand values Russia as a global power with a vital international role, and is ready to strengthen relations and cooperation at all levels—bilateral, regional, and multilateral.
Both sides also discussed the impact of the Middle East situation on energy security and supply chains. Thailand thanked Russia for its readiness to support clean energy, LNG gas, and essential goods such as petrochemicals and fertilizers. Both parties agreed to expand security cooperation in all dimensions, including military, information, public health, science, technology, and education.
On economic matters, both sides agreed that Thailand and Russia have substantial potential to further promote mutual trade, even though the current value stands at $1.5 billion, which does not reflect the full business capability.
The Russian-Thai Business Council is interested in expanding consumer goods exports and seeking new areas of cooperation, while the government will proceed with negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Thailand and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to increase trade, investment, and market access between Thailand, Russia, and EAEU member states.
The Thai PM also referenced the successful Russian-Thai Investment Forum, which saw participation from Thai governmental and business representatives last year and is scheduled to be held in Bangkok this October. This event will provide opportunities for businesses from both sides to network and expand economic cooperation in a sustainable and tangible way.
Regarding multilateral cooperation, Anutin thanked Russia for supporting ASEAN initiatives and praised Russia’s constructive role within the APEC framework—especially in promoting the digital economy, innovation, food and energy security, and sustainable and inclusive development.
Thailand is prepared to cooperate with Russia on issues such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, anti-scamming efforts, and economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
On tourism and culture, both countries agreed to promote closer cooperation in these fields, especially in celebration of the 130th anniversary of Thailand-Russia relations in 2027, to strengthen people-to-people ties and deepen mutual understanding.
The Prime Minister has highlighted that nearly two million Russian tourists visited Thailand in 2025, making them the largest European tourist group in the country, underscoring the positive impression Russians have of Thailand. He also highlighted plans to promote Russian culture, including music, film, and performing arts, to further enhance both countries’ relations going forward.
On this occasion, the Thai PM thanked President Putin for his warm welcome and reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to comprehensive cooperation with Russia to foster mutual security, prosperity, and economic opportunities for both countries. He also expressed his hope to meet President Putin again at the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting at the end of this year.
