Thailand attempts to strike a balance with BRICS and OECD bids

BANGKOK -- Thailand has gained the geopolitical spotlight with its bid to become a BRICS member when the group of emerging economies, which includes China and Russia, holds a summit in October, at the same time beginning the yearslong process to join the Western-dominated OECD.

Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa last week made his first official visit to China and India, both BRICS founding members, before opening a Board of Investment office in Saudi Arabia, the first such outpost in the Middle East.