
Top business leaders, policymakers, and cultural figures will convene in Bangkok to strengthen trade, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
Senior officials, business leaders and development institutions from Russia and Thailand will gather in Bangkok from 29 to 31 October for the second Russian-Thai Investment Forum (RTIF), aimed at widening trade and attracting investment between the two countries.
Organised by the Russian-Thai Business Council (RTBC), the annual forum is themed "Russia-Thailand: A New Era of Economic Partnership".
It seeks to open up untapped markets, expand trade flows and speed up investment in key growth sectors. Core industries and the new economy The business programme covers both traditional economic pillars and emerging trends.
The first day, "Drivers of Core Industries", will focus on foundational sectors, including metallurgy, agriculture, food security, sustainable energy, transport and logistics, as well as certification and international standardisation.
The second day, "Drivers of the New Economy", turns to fast-growing fields such as financial infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, advanced healthcare and wellness, the platform economy and real estate.
Hospitality, tourism and the sports economy will also be on the agenda.
Russian participants include Sber, Alfa-Bank, VTB, VEB.RF, the Russian Export Center, Roscongress, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, Delovaya Rossiya, R-Pharm, Fesco, Abrau-Durso and AFK Sistema, as well as the governments of Moscow and the Krasnodar Territory.
They will meet Thai counterparts, including the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office, the Federation of Thai Industries, CP Group, EGAT, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade, Central Group, Minor International, Dusit Thani, BDMS, Thai Union, Supalai and the Digital Council of Thailand.
Ivan Demchenko, chairman of the RTBC, said he was convinced the potential for closer relations was "enormous".
"Today, mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries spans a wide range of sectors, from traditional trade and tourism to technological innovation," he said. "The primary objective of the forum is to strengthen active business partnerships and open up new market niches for entrepreneurs in both countries."
Alongside the main sessions, the forum will feature "Days of Moscow in Bangkok" and the debut of an official "Made in Russia" trade pavilion.
Intended as a permanent platform for bilateral trade, it will showcase Russian exports ranging from food products and pharmaceuticals to industrial machinery and IT solutions.
Vladimir Kovalev, the RTBC's executive director, said the pavilion would give Russian manufacturers comprehensive help in entering the Thai market.
"Exporters will gain access to a modern B2B platform, complete with assistance in certification, legal guidance, and marketing support," he said, adding that the initiative was expected to produce "a substantial increase in bilateral trade turnover".
Beyond the boardroom, the programme includes a lively cultural and sporting line-up. Lumpini Park will host the "MIR" Russian-Thai Cultural Festival, and a theatrical performance, Thai Dictionary, will star Russian actress Irina Starshenbaum alongside Thai actor and model Sean Tsindahot.
On 29 October, junior ice hockey teams from Russia and Thailand will play a friendly match. A masterclass will be led by Roman Rotenberg, first vice-president of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation and head coach of the Russia-25 team, and top Russian figure skaters will give exhibition performances.
On 31 October, business executives and professional athletes from both countries will take part in a friendly badminton tournament.
Business representatives, investors and members of the press are invited to attend and are encouraged to register early to secure access to the business and networking sessions.
The deadline is 26 October. Registration: https://forum.rusthaibusiness.com/en/rtif-main.html#registration