Russia-Thailand Forum 2025 Paves The Way For Unprecedented Growth In Trade And Investment Between Russia And ASEAN

Published on December 11, 2025

The Russia-Thailand Forum 2025 marks a pivotal moment in strengthening economic ties between Russia and the ASEAN region, setting the stage for significant growth in trade and investment. With both nations committing to enhance bilateral cooperation, this forum is poised to unlock new opportunities, fostering greater connectivity and boosting economic collaboration across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and technology. The event underscores the growing importance of ASEAN in Russia’s international strategy and signals a bright future for mutual economic development.

The inaugural Russia-Thailand Investment Forum (RTIF 2025) took place in Phuket from November 26-28, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the economic relations between Russia and Thailand, as well as broader ASEAN integration. The forum aimed to foster trade, investment, and strategic partnerships, underscoring Thailand’s recent inclusion as a BRICS partner nation and its growing interest in forming a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). This event highlighted the robust economic ties between the two nations, opening new doors for cooperation in various sectors.

Over the last decade, Russia and Thailand’s economic collaboration has evolved beyond traditional trade in commodities such as petroleum, metals, and fertilizers. By 2024, the bilateral trade turnover reached approximately $2 billion, reflecting an 8% growth. Russian investments in Thailand have surpassed $6-7 billion, with significant stakes in the real estate sector, where Russia now holds 40% of Thailand’s foreign property market. Russian exports to Thailand, especially fertilizers, chemicals, and metal ores, have also seen considerable increases, further cementing their economic partnership. Russian tourism to Thailand continues to thrive, with arrivals expected to reach 2 million by 2025, underscoring the strong people-to-people connections despite external challenges.

This expanding trade and investment presence reflects the confidence Russian businesses place in Thailand’s strategic location and economic potential in Southeast Asia. The property market in Phuket, in particular, has seen a surge in Russian buyers, who now capture a significant 60% share of the market, second only to Chinese buyers. With Russian investments accounting for nearly half of Thailand’s foreign real estate investments, Thailand has become a crucial gateway for Russia’s expansion into ASEAN markets.

In terms of trade, Russian fertilizer exports to Thailand surged by 50%, while Thai rubber exports to Russia rose by 28%. These figures illustrate the complementary nature of the two countries’ economies and their growing trade diversification. Thai products, including rubber goods, aircraft parts, and machinery components, have gained strong traction in Russia, further strengthening the economic interdependence between the nations.

Thailand’s population of over 70 million and a GDP exceeding $1.5 trillion in 2024, alongside Russia’s population of 144 million and a GDP near $7.4 trillion, show the substantial economic complementarities between the two countries. Thailand’s GDP is expected to reach $2.5 trillion by 2030, highlighting its growing regional economic weight. With GDP growth rates of 3.5% for Thailand and 2-3% for Russia, both nations have a solid foundation for expanding bilateral cooperation. Despite the challenges posed by Western sanctions, businesses in both countries remain committed to finding resilient models for cooperation.

The RTIF 2025 attracted over 400 participants, including government officials, business leaders, and investors from various sectors such as logistics, tourism, IT, finance, and healthcare. Hosted by the Russian-Thai Business Council and supported by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, the forum focused on joint investment projects, digital transformation, and the creation of new business ecosystems. High-level representatives from major corporations underscored the importance of building long-term partnerships based on trust, transparency, and mutual benefit.

Infrastructure development is a key area of collaboration. Thailand’s rapidly evolving infrastructure sector presents numerous opportunities for Russian investors, particularly in master-planned integrated development projects. Russia’s expertise in regulatory frameworks and investment protection can serve as a valuable resource for Thailand’s future infrastructure development. This collaboration has the potential to unlock billions in investments, enhancing the economic growth of both countries.

The digital economy is another focal point of cooperation. Russia’s advancements in AI, cybersecurity, and fintech solutions align with Thailand’s growing adoption of digital platforms in tourism, e-commerce, and smart city projects. The forum highlighted how Russian technological expertise could help Thailand enhance its economic efficiency and transparency, while opening doors for joint digital sovereignty projects. These projects would reduce reliance on foreign technology and strengthen both countries’ competitiveness in the global market.

Healthcare, biotech, and medical tourism also present promising areas for collaboration. Thailand’s leadership in medical tourism, combined with Russia’s growing biotech sector, opens up opportunities for joint ventures in medical research, equipment production, and wellness tourism. With Thailand’s healthcare market valued at over $45 billion, this sector offers significant potential for mutual investment.

The creative economy is another sector poised for growth through collaboration. Both Russia and Thailand have thriving creative sectors, with projections indicating significant growth by 2030. Joint ventures in areas such as film, animation, music, and design will not only strengthen economic ties but also deepen cultural exchanges, enhancing the soft power of both nations.

Tourism and hospitality also benefit from the growing flow of Russian tourists to Thailand. With Russian tourist arrivals expected to reach 2 million in 2025, there are substantial opportunities in the hospitality, retail, and real estate sectors. Russian investors are increasingly interested in hotel chains, restaurants, and retail businesses, while Thai companies are exploring opportunities in the Russian market. This reciprocal interest in expanding infrastructure and modernizing service standards will bolster tourism and trade between the two nations.

The Russia-Thailand Forum 2025 is set to drive unprecedented growth in trade and investment between Russia and ASEAN, focusing on expanding cooperation in sectors like energy, infrastructure, and technology, reflecting the region’s increasing importance in Russia’s economic strategy.

the RTIF 2025 has solidified Russia and Thailand’s economic partnership, offering the potential for more than $1 billion in investments in the coming years. With a shared commitment to growth and innovation, the two nations are well-positioned to drive regional economic integration between Eurasia and Southeast Asia, creating new opportunities for trade, investment, and cultural exchange. This collaboration not only strengthens bilateral ties but also lays the foundation for shaping the future of regional economic architecture.