Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand is holding talks with Russia 🌺to expedite negotiations for a free tra🦩de agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Thai Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan on October 30 discussed with Russian Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sergey Levin in Bangkok. During the discussion, Thailand expressed a desire to get Russia’s support in starting negotiations for FTA between Thailand and EAEU to expand their trade and investment ties.
Pichai said that Thailand and Russia agree to strengthen trade and investment cooperation, particularly in high technology and artificial intelligence, areas in which Russia possesses expertise and is interested in expanding its manufacturing base.
The minister said that over the past several years, more data centre and printed circuit board manufacturing has relocated to Thailand, which is expected to contribute to continued investment in high technology, in particular digital innovation.
Thailand is well-positioned to be a global food hub and a centre for food security items, he said.
He urged Russia to increase imports of Thai rice and food products, while Russia asked Thailand to consider importing agricultural products such as wheat, dairy and livestock items from the country.
In 2023, Russia was Thailand's 37th largest trading partner. In the first nine months of 2024, total trade between Thailand and Russia reached 1.19 billion USD. Thailand's main exports to Russia include rubber products, automobiles and auto parts, machinery and components. Meanwhile, Thailand's main imports include fertilisers, pesticides, metal ores, metal scraps and chemicals./.
Thailand is striving to implement environmental protection and social sustainability solutions in developing the country’s major infrastructure projects, such as the development of Phase 3 of Laem Chabang Port, Thailand's only deep-sea port.
Thailand’s Transport Ministry is accelerating development and construction projects on six airports with an aim to become the region's transportation hub.
Thailand is positioning itself as an emerging leader in artificial intelligence (AI) regulation and development, thanks to policies that support an approach that balances technological innovation with ethical considerations and workforce protection.
The forum featured two in-depth discussion sessions, engaging representatives from governments, think tanks, and businesses from both ASEAN and China, on how to forge closer ties for a common future.
The new FIFA Hub in Jakarta will not only support football development in Indonesia but also serve as a coordination centre for 21 football associations across Southeast and East Asia.
Minister Counselor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen reaffirmed Vietnam’s principled and consistent stance on the Palestine issue, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire across the entire Gaza Strip.
PM Anwar Ibrahim affirmed the determination of Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, to utilise all viable regional mechanisms of the bloc and work with partners to de-escalate violence and restore a peace process led by Myanmar.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
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In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
