On November 14, 2024, a key working meeting between deputy foreign ministers of Russia and Thailand took place in Bangkok. On the Russian side was Alexey Borodavkin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; on the Thai side — Virasak Futrakul, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. The meeting was held at the Government House of Thailand and lasted over an hour.
Discussion Topics
The sides discussed a wide range of bilateral cooperation issues:
- Trade & Investment — rising trade volume (over 5.2 billion USD in 2024), Russian interest in Thai real estate, IT, and agriculture.
- Security — combating cybercrime, extradition, and illegal stay control.
- Military & Defense Cooperation — exchange of expertise, joint exercises, limited supply of specialized equipment.
- Cultural & Tourism Exchange — restoring air links, promoting LTR visas, supporting Russian-speaking infrastructure.
Meeting Participants
From Thailand:
- Panyarachun Punsap, Deputy Permanent Secretary of MFA;
- Military attaché of the Royal Thai Armed Forces;
- Senior diplomats from the Asia-Pacific department.
From Russia — Alexander Viktorov, Ambassador of Russia to Thailand, and the Russian military attaché.
Context of the Meeting
This meeting was part of an annual series of deputy-level consultations held since 2016. In 2023, it was held in Moscow. In 2024, the focus was on sustainable tourism, digital security, and mutual visa recognition.
As Ambassador Viktorov noted: "We see growing interest from Russians in long-term stays. Thailand is not just a resort — it’s a place to live."
Significance for Bilateral Relations
Although former PM Prayut Chan-o-cha did not attend (he left office in August 2023), his successor Songphol Damrapong continues the policy of strengthening ties with Russia. The government emphasized: "Thailand remains open to dialogue with all partners, including Russia."
Such meetings are expected to continue every 12–18 months, and in 2026, the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation may be revived after a decade-long pause.
What’s Next?
In 2025, it’s expected that:
- A MoU on education cooperation will be signed (student exchanges, dual degrees).
- The LT-R visa program will expand for Russian investors and digital nomads.
- More direct flights will be added from Novosibirsk, Kazan, and Yekaterinburg.
The November 14, 2024 meeting marked another step toward deeper, multi-sector cooperation between Russia and Thailand — beyond tourism, into economy, security, and culture.
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