BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand and Russia are seeking to accelerate negotiations on a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), while expanding cooperation in agriculture, security, energy and advanced technology. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk during his visit to Thailand for the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings, where the two sides discussed ways to expand trade and investment.
Both leaders welcomed the approaching 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Russia in 2027 and agreed that significant potential remained to increase bilateral trade and investment. They emphasized the importance of advancing negotiations on the Thailand–EAEU Free Trade Agreement (Thai–EAEU FTA) and reaching an agreement as soon as possible to deliver tangible benefits to businesses and people in both countries.
The talks also covered future cooperation in areas where Thailand and Russia have shared interests, particularly agriculture, security and energy, including the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Overchuk highlighted Russia’s capabilities in small modular reactor (SMR) technology and expressed Russia’s willingness to share knowledge and technology with Thailand in the future.
Anutin also highlighted Thailand’s strategic position as a regional hub and the government’s efforts to advance the Land Bridge project, which aims to improve transport infrastructure and logistics connectivity in Thailand and the wider region. The prime minister said the project could create opportunities for Russian businesses and investors to participate in infrastructure development and expand investment cooperation with Thailand.
