Southeast Asian countries Thailand and Malaysia have shown strong interest in joining the BRICS Economic Union.
Last month, Thailand officially submitted its intention, while Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that Malaysia will soon commence the formal process.
Peethi Sreesangam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, highlighted the trade and investment opportunities membership in the BRICS nations could offer, noting the group’s current lack of Southeast Asian representation. James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania, emphasized that Thailand and Malaysia, as middle powers, would gain greater global influence and significant trade benefits by joining the BRICS nations.
Rahul Mishra from the University of New South Wales’ Indian Ocean Research Centre believes Malaysia’s digital economy could develop faster through integration with the BRICS nations. Thailand aims to attract investments in the service, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors. The extensive trade relationships both countries maintain with China have influenced their interest in joining the BRICS nations.
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Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sanjampongsa stated clearly that joining the BRICS nations is not about choosing sides but increasing economic opportunities while maintaining neutrality. Similarly, a survey by the Yusof Ishak Institute of Southeast Asian Studies indicates favorable public sentiment in Malaysia towards China.
Other Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, which have close ties with China, India, and Russia, are also potential candidates for BRICS membership. Despite such speculation, Indonesia has decided not to join the BRICS nations for the time being.
