Thailand seeks full membership in BRICS, seeks India’s support; Trump’s threats have no effect

New Delhi. Thailand, Southeast Asia’s leading economy, has strengthened its ambition to achieve full membership in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) group, appealing for India’s special support. In a recent statement, Thailand’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that it is ready to become a bridge connecting BRICS with regional forums such as ASEAN, APEC, and BIMSTEC, and considers India’s role crucial in this direction. This move by Thailand reflects the growing appeal of BRICS despite US President Donald Trump’s repeated trade threats.

Thailand’s statement comes during its Foreign Minister’s visit to India. India’s Ministry of External Affairs had stated that the Thai Foreign Minister visited India from November 28th to December 2nd. Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeo told External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during a bilateral meeting on Monday that his country is interested in joining BRICS and needs India’s support. India will chair BRICS next year, in 2026.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said that India values ​​Thailand as a “long-term friend” and a “very important” maritime neighbor. Jaishankar said that amid the rapidly evolving geopolitical and geoeconomic environment, India believes regular exchange of views on important issues is essential.

Thailand’s BRICS Journey: From Partner to Full Membership
Thailand received Partner Country status along with 13 other countries during the BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. This status formally took effect on January 1, 2025, allowing Thailand to participate in some BRICS ministerial meetings and economic cooperation programs. According to Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this partnership provides opportunities to enhance cooperation with emerging economies in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, and food and energy security.

Thailand’s goal, however, is full membership. In June 2024, the Thai government, led by then-Prime Minister Sretha Thaweesin, submitted a formal letter of intent to join BRICS. Now, during Brazil’s presidency in 2025, Thailand has indicated it will accelerate its application process. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangyampongsa recently stated in a media briefing, “Joining BRICS will help Thailand strengthen the voice of the Global South and promote multilateralism. We will serve as a bridge between ASEAN and BRICS.”

Trump’s threats ineffective: BRICS continues to expand
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to impose tariffs of up to 100%, calling BRICS an anti-American bloc. During a meeting with Argentine President Javier Milley in October 2025, Trump claimed that all countries were withdrawing from BRICS. In February 2025, he declared that BRICS was dead. In January 2025, in a post on Truth Social, he described BRICS as an attack on the dollar.

But these threats have proven ineffective. BRICS now has 10 full members (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE), while 10 partner countries are: Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. Saudi Arabia is currently considering joining.