Anutin led a delegation to Russia, revealing Thailand's readiness to serve as a strategic gateway connecting ASEAN and welcoming tourists. He confirmed that meeting the Cambodian Prime Minister caused no harm or reason for Thai people to worry about.
On 17 June 2026, a reporter reported that at 20:25 on 16 June (local time in Kazan, Russian Federation, which is 4 hours behind Thailand), Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and his delegation arrived in Kazan, Russian Federation, to attend the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit from 16–19 June 2026, marking the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations. High-level representatives from the Russian Federation and the Embassy in Moscow welcomed them.
At 10:00 local time in Kazan, Russian Federation (4 hours behind Thailand), at Hall 1, 2nd floor, Bashir Rameev IT Park, Anutin attended the ASEAN-Russia Business Forum alongside Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In his keynote, Anutin stated that Thailand has the potential to be an economic, trade, and investment hub connecting Russia with ASEAN. He invited Russian businesses to use Thailand as a base to expand opportunities into the ASEAN market of over 700 million people. The year 2026 is especially significant as it marks the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations, which have continuously developed amid rapidly changing global economic contexts. Thailand's strengths include the food and agricultural industries, tourism, medical and health sectors, and the green economy. Concurrently, Thailand is accelerating investments in digital industries, data centers, chip production, and semiconductors to enhance its economic capabilities. He proposed three key areas of Thai-Russian economic cooperation: connectivity—highlighting Thailand's readiness with infrastructure, logistics systems, deep seaports, aviation networks, and digital links to serve as a strategic gateway connecting Russian businesses to ASEAN markets.
Anutin said the second area is trade and investment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a multilateral trading system, market diversification, and strengthening food and energy security. Russia has strong energy capabilities as a major global natural gas producer, while Thailand is a key food producer, enabling mutually beneficial economic cooperation. Regarding people-to-people exchanges, Thailand welcomes about 2 million Russian tourists annually and is ready to promote cooperation in health tourism and medical sectors, as well as develop creative economy and cultural collaborations to build economic value and strengthen ties between the peoples of both countries. In 2027, Thailand and Russia will celebrate 130 years of diplomatic relations, an important opportunity to advance economic cooperation. Thailand is prepared to work with Russia and ASEAN members to build a more connected, innovation-driven, and sustainably prosperous future.
Later, at 09:30 local time in Kazan on 17 June 2026, at the hotel in Kazan, Anutin was interviewed about attending the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit from 16–19 June. He said there would likely be an opportunity to meet the Cambodian Prime Minister, which posed no problems. They had already met once during the ASEAN meeting in Vietnam. He affirmed safeguarding Thailand’s interests and expressed confidence that nothing harmful or worrying for Thai citizens would result, especially regarding sovereignty and preparedness in case of conflict. When asked about progress in establishing a compulsory conciliation team under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Anutin said Thailand had appointed two representatives: Sihasak Phuangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Songchai Chaipatiyuth, Ambassador to Kuwait, to serve as the team negotiating under UNCLOS as Cambodia had proposed to the United Nations.
When asked about setting up the compulsory conciliation commission, Anutin said it had also been established, comprising two senior judges specializing in maritime law. He affirmed Thailand is ready to negotiate and urged everyone not to worry and to continue their livelihoods as normal. The government guarantees the safety of the people.
