Russian-Thai Investment Forum 2026 Kicks Off in Bangkok to Strengthen Bilateral Commercial Ties
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt welcomes delegates to the two-day Russian-Thai Investment Forum 2026 aimed at expanding trade ahead of key anniversaries
- The Russian-Thai Investment Forum 2026 has kicked off in Bangkok as a two-day event aimed at strengthening economic partnerships and accelerating commercial transactions between the two countries.
- The forum is timed to precede key milestones in 2027: the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Thailand and the 30th anniversary of the sister-city agreement between Moscow and Bangkok.
- A primary goal is to expand the bilateral commercial partnership beyond traditional tourism into diverse sectors, including agriculture, technology, medical equipment, infrastructure, and energy.
- Leaders from both nations are emphasizing a focus on execution, urging delegates to overcome trade obstacles and finalize concrete investment deals during the event.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt welcomes delegates to the two-day Russian-Thai Investment Forum 2026 aimed at expanding trade ahead of key anniversaries.
The second Russian-Thai Investment Forum officially opened in Bangkok on Friday, 30 October 2026. The two-day event, running from 30 to 31 October, brings together senior government leaders, municipal authorities, and international business delegates to forge stronger economic partnerships and accelerate commercial transactions between Russia and Thailand.
Addressing the forum during its opening session, the Governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt, warmly welcomed Russian delegates and municipal representatives from Moscow, highlighting the enduring historical connections between the two nations and their capital cities.
Deepening Historical and Municipal Ties
In his welcoming speech, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt emphasized that diplomatic relations between Thailand and Russia, established in 1897, will mark their 130th anniversary next year.
Furthermore, the sister-city friendship agreement between Bangkok and Moscow, formed in June 1997, reaches its 30th milestone in 2027.
"On the national level, we established diplomatic relations in 1897, so next year will be the celebration of 130 years," Governor Chadchart noted, extending a greeting to representatives of the Moscow City Government.
While acknowledging that business investment is only one pillar of the broader relationship, Governor Chadchart underscored the rich cultural exchanges running alongside the forum, such as the "Days of Moscow in Bangkok" cultural programme, a gala ballet performance, and the "Made in Russia" festival featuring friendly ice hockey matches and Muay Thai demonstrations in Lumpini Park.
Official Message from Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
A welcoming address on behalf of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was delivered by Lyudmila Georgievna Vorobyova, Director of the Third Asian Department at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In her statement, Vorobyova stressed that Russian-Thai relations are built on a solid foundation of friendship, constructive cooperation, and mutual trust.
"Relations between Russia and Thailand are built on a firm foundation of constructive cooperation and mutual trust," the message read." The business agenda of today's event is complemented by a rich cultural programme. The Days of Moscow in the capital of Thailand, including the ballet gala concert and friendly hockey match, will contribute to deepening mutual understanding between our peoples. I am convinced that this forum will serve to promote investment projects and strengthen multi-faceted practical cooperation."
Overcoming Roadblocks and Accelerating Trade
His Excellency Evgeny Tomikhin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Thailand, expressed optimism regarding the expansion of commercial activities between the two countries.
Ambassador Tomikhin pointed to high-level dialogues and intergovernmental joint commission sessions as demonstrations of both nations’ readiness to move forward faster than before.
"I would like that we intensify our efforts to clean up all obstacles," Ambassador Tomikhin remarked, reassuring attendees that despite past difficulties, ongoing efforts by local authorities, business associations, and government ministries will yield concrete outcomes.
He extended a special welcome to delegates travelling from various regions of Russia, including representatives from the Krasnodar Krai region.
Focus on Execution: Turning Potential into Real Deals
Delivering the final welcoming remarks of the morning session, Ivan Demchenko, Chairman of the Russia-Thailand Business Council, called on participating delegates to focus directly on reaching practical trade and investment agreements.
Reflecting on the inaugural forum held last year in Phuket, Demchenko noted how the partnership has expanded far beyond traditional tourism into diverse industries, including agriculture, medical equipment, infrastructure, technology, real estate development, and energy.
"Russia and Thailand are in a new economic partnership, but a new era does not begin with a memorandum—it begins with a deal," Demchenko asserted. "My rule is simple: if there is no result, there were no words. Over these two days, I ask you to be open with one another and work towards real agreements."
Photo credit: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)
