Source: WION
Subject: Mapping
Context: Thailand has formally expressed its intention to join BRICS, seeking India’s support ahead of New Delhi’s BRICS chairmanship in 2026.
About Thailand:
- Location: Thailand is a Southeast Asian country located in the centre of mainland Southeast Asia, entirely within the tropical zone.
- Capital: Bangkok is the capital and the largest urban and economic centre.
- Neighbouring Nations: Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
- Geographical Features:
- Northern & Western Mountains: Granitic ridges, highest peak: Mount Inthanon (2,585 m).
- Khorat Plateau (Northeast): Tilted tableland with rolling terrain drained by Mekong tributaries.
- Chao Phraya River Basin (Central): Fertile alluvial plains forming the agricultural heartland.
- Southern Peninsula: Narrow peninsula with a mountainous spine and major islands like Phuket.
About BRICS:
- What it is?
- BRICS is a major geopolitical grouping of eleven countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran.
- Established in:
- Concept coined in 2001, first ministerial meeting held in 2006, first leaders’ summit in 2009 and became BRICS with South Africa’s entry in 2011.
- Second major expansion occurred in 2024–25 with six new members.
- 2026 BRICS Summit Host: India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026, taking over the presidency from Brazil.
- Key Features of BRICS:
- Promotes reform of global governance institutions (UNSC, IMF, World Bank).
- Focuses on economic resilience, financial cooperation, counterterrorism, energy security, and technology governance.
- Includes the New Development Bank (NDB) as its financial institution.
- Allows flexible participation modes such as Members, Partner Countries, BRICS Outreach and BRICS Plus.
