Thailand will become the first Southeast Asian member to apply to join the BRICS mechanism

Thailand's cabinet has approved a draft formal application to join the BRICS group of emerging nations this month, with the aim of working with other countries of the global South to strengthen their role on the global stage.

Malaysia's Guangming Daily reported that Thai Prime Minister's Office spokesman Chai Wacharonke said at a press conference after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday (May 28) that the government had finalized its plan to submit the application. If the application is approved, Thailand will become the first Southeast Asian member of the organization. Chai said that joining the BRICS group will enhance Thailand's role as a leader of developing countries.

The BRICS Group consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, with the addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates as new members on 1 January 2024.

Some see the BRICS as a rival to the international order dominated by developed economies led by the United States and Europe, with China and Russia leading the expansion of the group.

According to Thailand's Bangkok Post, Chai said that the application letter shows that Thailand recognizes the importance of multilateralism and the growing role of developing countries in the international arena.

China says membership in BRICS will benefit Thailand in many ways, including enhancing the country's role on the international stage and increasing its chances of co-creating a new world order.