The Prime Minister paid respects to His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei, who expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Princess Azemah. He affirmed Thailand's readiness to work closely with Brunei and showed interest in increasing fertilizer imports.
On 17 June 2026 at 15:00 local time in Kazan (four hours behind Thailand), at the reception room on the first floor of the Mirage Hotel in Kazan, Russian Federation, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul paid respects to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah of Brunei Darussalam during the ASEAN–Russia Special Summit held in Kazan, Russian Federation.
After the audience, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, the spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Sultan of Brunei for his heartfelt condolences on the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah. He also congratulated Prince Abdul Mateen on his appointment as Brunei's Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Sultan praised the diplomatic relations between Thailand and Brunei, highlighting close cooperation at all levels and a commitment to strengthen ties and cooperation across all dimensions.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister expressed his intention to make an official visit to Brunei at an appropriate time, marking his first visit as Prime Minister. He reaffirmed his commitment to work closely with Brunei to promote bilateral cooperation in sectors with potential and mutual benefit.
Regarding agriculture, the Prime Minister showed interest in increasing fertilizer imports from Brunei, noting that diversifying fertilizer sources is important to manage global uncertainties, especially impacts from conflicts in the Middle East. He will assign Thailand's Minister of Commerce to discuss details with Brunei's counterparts.
On food security, the Prime Minister emphasized Thailand's role as a trusted partner of Brunei and expressed readiness to increase exports of Thai rice and quality agricultural products to support food security between the two countries.
On energy, both sides expressed commitment to deepen cooperation on energy security between them.
Regarding public health, the Prime Minister welcomed the promotion of medical and health tourism cooperation, citing the collaboration between Thailand's BNH Hospital and Brunei's Jerudong Park Medical Centre, which includes capacity building for medical personnel and patient referrals for treatment in Thailand.
On investment, both sides welcomed progress on the Double Taxation Agreement between Thailand and Brunei, which is ready to be signed soon by the foreign ministers of both countries. Additionally, the Prime Minister invited Brunei's private sector to invest in Thailand to foster sustainable economic growth together.
In closing, the Prime Minister thanked the Sultan of Brunei for his graciousness and strong friendship toward Thailand, as well as for his continuous support of the excellent relations between the two countries. He reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to work closely with Brunei to continue cooperation in all areas, aiming for security, prosperity, and well-being for the peoples of both nations.
