II Russian-Thai
Investment Forum

📅: 30.10.2026
📍: Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok

Why this topic matters:
Ensuring food security is becoming one of the key factors in sustainable economic development and international cooperation. Russia and Thailand are complementary partners in the agrifood sector: Russia has significant export potential in grains, fish and seafood, vegetable oils, and other agricultural products. Thailand, meanwhile, is one of Southeast Asia’s major food processing and distribution centers and an important regional logistics hub.

Key topics of the session:

• Prospects for expanding bilateral trade in agricultural products
• Improving mechanisms for market access in both countries
• Veterinary, phytosanitary, and food safety regulations
• Strengthening cooperation among government authorities, industry associations, and businesses
• Building resilient supply chains
• Addressing existing barriers to bilateral trade
• Developing investment cooperation and creating favorable conditions for joint agrifood projects

From the Russian side, representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, Rosselkhoznadzor, and Agroexport, as well as executives of major food companies, including Russian Crab, Demetra-Holding, PetroKhlebs-Kuban, Prime Foods, Mistral, Belevskaya Confectionery Company, Voronezh Dairy Plant, and others, have been invited to participate.

The Thai side is also expected to be represented by:

• H.E. Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives of the Kingdom of Thailand
• Senior representatives of the Department of Livestock Development and the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Representatives of the Thai Chamber of Commerce
• Executives of leading Thai companies, including Sea Value, BR Group, Betagro, and Central Retail
• Representatives of the Thai Associations of Feed and Fertilizer

It is also worth noting that the 2nd Russian–Thai Investment Forum will feature a B2B roundtable for agricultural producers, organized jointly with Agroexport.

Registration for the 2nd Russian–Thai Investment Forum is now open.
Register via the link.

The Russian–Thai Business Council (RTBC) is launching a series of publications highlighting the business programme of the 2nd Russian–Thai Investment Forum (RTIF2026). Today, we are pleased to share more details about the session «New Routes for Cooperation: Transport and Logistics».

📅: 30.10.2026
📍: Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok

Key topics of the session:

• Current trends and prospects for developing transport and logistics cooperation between Russia and Thailand
• Opportunities for expanding maritime, air and multimodal transportation
• New logistics routes connecting Russia with Southeast Asia
• Development of port infrastructure
• Digitalization of logistics

The session is supported by FESCO, a leading Russian transport and logistics group. Representatives of major Russian companies, including Russian Railways (RZD), Sinara – Transport Machines, Novaport Holding, S7 Airlines, and others, have been invited to participate.

The Thai side is expected to be represented by:

• Senior representatives of the Ministry of Transport of Thailand
• The Thai National Shippers’ Council
• SCGJWD Logistics, a leading provider of integrated logistics and supply chain management solutions across ASEAN
• EDI Siam, Thai Logist, CDEK Thailand, as well as major airlines and other industry players

Registration for the 2nd Russian–Thai Investment Forum is now open.
Register via the link.

On September 7, as part of preparations for the 2nd Russian–Thai Investment Forum (RTIF2026) in Bangkok, Vladimir Kovalev, Executive Director of the Russian–Thai Business Council (RTBC), held meetings with Dr. Poj Aramwattananont, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, and Wimon Punkong, Deputy Executive Director (Academic) of the International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD) under Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce.

Vladimir Kovalev and Dr. Poj Aramwattananont discussed the programme of the upcoming Forum. The RTBC Executive Director presented the concept of the business event and its key thematic tracks. Particular attention was given to agriculture and food security.

As part of the 2nd RTIF, a dedicated session, round tables and B2B meetings are planned, bringing together major producers, consumers and distributors of food products, wine, and fertilizers from Russia and Thailand. The parties also discussed the organisation of a joint session involving the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Russia and Thailand.

During the meeting with Wimon Punkong, the parties discussed the development of expert and analytical cooperation between Russia and Thailand in the context of the upcoming Forum, including current issues related to facilitating bilateral trade.

“Thailand has expressed strong interest in concluding a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). In order to make a decision on launching such negotiations, it is necessary to establish an appropriate analytical foundation: assess the potential positive effects of such an agreement and preliminarily identify the most promising product groups for reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers. This is an area where we could work together with the International Institute for Trade and Development,” said Vladimir Kovalev during the meeting.

In addition, Vladimir Kovalev and Wimon Punkong agreed to prepare joint studies on promising economic sectors in Russia and Thailand. These will include areas such as sustainable energy, the platform economy, and financial infrastructure. Separate sessions dedicated to these topics will also be held as part of the upcoming Forum.

The 2nd Russian–Thai Investment Forum will take place in Bangkok from October 29–31, 2026. Registration for the Forum is now open: https://forum.rusthaibusiness.com/en/rtif-main.html#registration

The II Russian-Thai Investment Forum (RTIF 2026) will take place on October 29–31 in Bangkok. The organizer of this key business event on the bilateral agenda is the Russian-Thai Business Council. Registration for the Forum is available via the link. The key theme of this year's Forum is "Russia-Thailand: A New Era of Economic Partnership." The first day of the business program will be dedicated to "Drivers of basic industries": metallurgy, agriculture and food security, sustainable energy, transport and logistics, certification and standardization. The theme of the second day is "Drivers of the new economy": financial infrastructure, medicine and pharmaceuticals, wellness, the platform economy, real estate and HoReCa, tourism, and the sports economy.

Major companies, public associations, and development institutions from Russia will take part in RTIF 2026. Among them are the Russian Export Center (REC), the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, Business Russia, Sber, Rosatom, Roscongress, Alfa-Bank, the Government of Moscow and the Krasnodar Region, R-Pharm, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), VTB, T-Bank, Tourism.RF, the Corporation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic, Abrau-Durso, AFK Sistema, Russian Crab, Mistral, Prime Foods, Fesco, Tutu, 1C, and many others. On the Thai side, the following partners from major corporations and development institutions have been invited to participate in the Forum: BOI, EEC, the Digital Council, FTI, CP Group, EGAT, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Warrix, Minor, Dusit Thani, BDMS, EEC, Proud Group, Sansiri, Sea Value, Thai Union, the Office of the Insurance Commission, Dhipaya, Asia Plus, Supalai, Win Telecom, Central Group, the National Food Institute, Thammasat University, and others.

Furthermore, the Forum will feature an EXPO zone for Russian and Thai companies, the Russian-Thai Cultural Festival MIR, and the "Made in Russia" festival-fair, as well as the Days of Moscow in Bangkok. Guests of RTIF 2026 will also enjoy a theatrical performance featuring stars from Russia and Thailand, along with cultural and sports events (badminton and hockey).

We look forward to seeing you in Bangkok!

The business dialogue “Russia–Thailand: New Dimensions for Trade and Investment”, organized by the Russian-Thai Business Council as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2026, is currently underway.

During the session, organizers presented the framework of the 2nd Russian–Thai Investment Forum (RTIF 2026), which will take place in Bangkok on October 29–30, 2026. The Forum will open with a plenary session titled “Russia–Thailand: A New Era of Economic Partnership“.

The first day of RTIF 2026 will focus on “Drivers of Core Industries,” covering metallurgy, agriculture and food security, sustainable energy, certification, and standardization.

The second day, themed “Drivers of the New Economy,” will feature discussions on healthcare, pharmaceuticals and wellness, the platform economy, real estate and hospitality (HoReCa), and tourism.

In addition, Moscow Days in Bangkok will be held as part of RTIF 2026. The program will also include the MIR Russia–Thailand Cultural Festival and the premiere of an original theatrical production featuring renowned actors from both Russia and Thailand.

The Forum will further offer open discussions, business matchmaking sessions, networking opportunities, and sports activities for participants.

Registration for the 2nd Russian–Thai Investment Forum is now open via the event’s official website.

On November 26, the first Russian-Thai Investment Forum opened in Thailand – a new platform for developing business dialogue, joint projects and expanding economic ties between the two countries.

The forum brought together representatives of the public sector, leading companies, industry associations and business councils from Russia and Thailand. Discussions focused on strengthening investment cooperation, supporting bilateral trade, launching new technology initiatives and developing partnerships in high-tech and traditional sectors.

Ivan Demchenko, Chairman of the Russian-Thai Business Council:

"I am convinced that everything we do is aimed at strengthening relations between Russia and Thailand and we are the ones who are truly interested in this development.

It is a great honor for me to welcome you to the first Russian-Thai Investment Forum. This is a true win-win situation: a large and promising market is opening up for Russian entrepreneurs while the Thai side is benefiting from new opportunities for development, technology implementation and expanded cooperation.

Why is this important? So that serious deals are concluded on the basis of trust. And trust is built when you know your partners personally, see their eyes and understand who you're working with and what you're doing. I urge everyone to be open to each other and ambitious in their plans.

And one more thing: a white elephant only lives in the jungle – and now is the time to find it with us.".

Vichavat Isarabhakdi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand:

"Relations between Thailand and Russia, which have been going on for over 128 years, have steadily developed based on mutual respect and a desire for practical cooperation. Today we see great potential for further deepening our economic ties – from trade and tourism to new industries and innovation. The prospects for a free trade agreement with the EAEU and the work of the joint Thai-Russian commission remain important tools for moving us forward.

The signing of a memorandum on digital development underscores our shared focus on technological partnership and creates new opportunities for exchanging experiences and attracting investment. Thailand is also interested in expanding cooperation in education and training, particularly in science and technology. All of this opens up broad prospects for strengthening the long-term partnership between our countries."

Kriengkrai Thiennukun, Chairman of the Thai-Russian Business Council:

"With every contact between Thai and Russian companies it becomes clear: the main barriers are a lack of information, regulatory differences and a lack of clear financial solutions. This holds back even those industries with obvious potential. Today it is especially important to build trust, align regulations and remove obstacles so that businesses can operate freely and effectively.

Now is the best time for investment in Thailand: in the first ten months of this year, total foreign investment exceeded 1.37 trillion baht, a record high in decades. However, Russia is still not among the top investors despite its enormous potential.

We see Russia as an important partner in the high-tech transformation of Thai industry – from innovative materials and modular construction to AI, cybertechnologies and robotics.”

Nikita Gusakov, Senior Vice President of the Russian Export Center:

“Despite significant growth in recent years, our mutual indicators remain modest – primarily due to a lack of understanding of each other’s capabilities. This is why forums like this and the work of business councils are crucial: they allow us to better understand the Thai market, and Thai companies to understand the potential of Russian products.

For the Russian Export Center, promoting Russian products under the Made in Russia brand remains a priority. This year we opened an office in Thailand to help Russian companies enter the local market and support Thai partners in finding Russian suppliers. We are already seeing progress in the agricultural sector, FMCG and digital technologies, and are preparing a presentation of Russian solutions in urban tech and smart cities early next year.

There are also significant prospects in traditional industries – metallurgy, mining, and construction where Russian developers can strengthen their presence amid growing tourism. Stimulating mutual industrial investment is equally important. Ratification of the 2002 Investment Protection Agreement which will provide additional guarantees for companies in both countries, remains a priority.

We are ready to support investors through insurance instruments and develop solutions, including financial mechanisms – from leasing to trade finance. The potential for cooperation is enormous and today's forum is a step that will undoubtedly yield tangible results”.

About the Forum:

The Russia-Thailand Investment Forum is the premier annual platform for establishing long-term business ties between Russian and Thai companies. It facilitates the development of mutually beneficial economic cooperation and the implementation of joint investment projects.

The Forum is organized by the Russia-Thailand Business Council (the Association for Entrepreneurship Development and Support of Business Ties with Thailand). The Council is a key Russian platform that promotes business and investment development, strengthens business contacts, and creates conditions for mutually beneficial partnership and long-term cooperation between Russia and Thailand.

Co-organizers include the Royal Thai Embassy in Russia, the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Thailand, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia.

Business program partners include Rosatom Corporation and Sberbank. Strategic partner: Made in Russia.

Media partners: Forbes and Russian Radio.

PHUKET, THAILAND – From November 26 to 28, 2025, the island of Phuket will host the Russia-Thailand Investment Forum (RTIF 2025), a landmark event designed to strengthen economic cooperation between Russia and Thailand. The Forum is organized by the Russia-Thailand Business Council with the support of the Embassies of the Kingdom of Thailand in Russia and the Russian Federation in Thailand, and the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade.

RTIF 2025 will commence on November 26 with a plenary session titled "Russia and Thailand: Investing in a Shared Future," which will explore opportunities and prospects for mutually beneficial economic collaboration. The opening ceremony and plenary session will feature high-level participants, including:

• Mr. Vichavat Isarabhakdi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
  
  
• H.E. Mr. Evgeny Tomikhin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Thailand
  
  
• Mr. Ivan Demchenko, Chairman of the Russia-Thailand Business Council
  
  
• Mr. Alexey Gruzdev, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation
  
  
• Mr. Boris Titov, Presidential Commissioner for the Protection of Entrepreneurs' Rights and Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for Cooperation with International Organizations to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals
  
  
• Mr. Alexander Stuglev, Chairman of the Board, Director, Roscongress Foundation
  
  
• M.R. Nongkran Chompoonut, Chairman, Digital Council of Thailand

The first day's agenda will feature dedicated sessions on key sectors: "Banks, Funds, Government," "Development & Real Estate," "Transport & Logistics," "HoReCa & Retail," and "Digital Transformation".

On November 27, the business program will focus on "Healthcare and Biotech Development" and "Education and Media." Experts from Russia and Thailand will discuss advancements in medicine, educational innovations, and the transformation of the information landscape.

The final day, November 28, will be dedicated to the "Creative Economy and Film Industry." The schedule includes discussions on co-production, the impact of AI on filmmaking, a project pitch session, and a theatrical performance of "Maya in Binary Code" by Golden Mask Award winner Polina Kardymon, featuring actors Alexey Chadov, Ivan Yankovsky, and Minnie Phantira.

The Forum will conclude with the MIR Cultural Festival on November 28 at the Andamanda Phuket water park. To mark the 30th anniversary of "Russian Radio," the festival will host a concert featuring "Golden Gramophone" award laureates, including JONY, Irakli, Alexandra Vorobyova, and another special guest artist to be announced. They will share the stage with Thai superstars Bowkylion, Getsunova, Kae Wanthakan, Wizzle, Rocketman, and The Mousses.

The Forum's exhibition space will bring together major Russian and Thai brands from development and investment sectors. Attendees will have access to B2B matchmaking zones organized by Russian Export Center's "Made in Russia," the Roscongress International platform, and the "Innovation Space." The business program partners are Rosatom State Corporation and Sberbank. The official transport partner in Phuket is the real estate agency "Etagi.".

An artistic program will complement the business agenda:

• The exhibition "Topography of Utopia" explores the modern urban and cultural landscape as a space between nature and industry, memory and the future. The artists demonstrate how utopia becomes a mirror of unrealized possibilities and a place for free thinking that influences the real world.
  
  
• The exhibition "Homeport Vladivostok" presents photographs taken in contemporary Vladivostok between 2012 and 2024. Leading photographers have sought out and captured images that compose a portrait of this multifaceted city, Russia's maritime gateway to the Pacific.

"Ivan Demchenko, Chairman of the Russia-Thailand Business Council, emphasized: 'Investment activity between Russia and Thailand is poised for significant growth in the very near future. This is driven by favorable lending conditions in Thailand, the interest of local businesses in acquiring Russian projects, and the growing Russian community in Thailand, which eagerly awaits the arrival of familiar brands. Furthermore, our compatriots are actively investing in Thai real estate and using the country as a transit hub for their startups and businesses destined for the wider Southeast Asian region. This is precisely why hosting this Forum is a primary economic necessity for fostering dialogue between our two nations.'"

About us: The Russia-Thailand Investment Forum is the premier annual platform for establishing long-term business ties between Russian and Thai companies. It facilitates the development of mutually beneficial economic cooperation and the implementation of joint investment projects.

The Forum is organized by the Russia-Thailand Business Council (the Association for Entrepreneurship Development and Support of Business Ties with Thailand). The Council is a key Russian platform that promotes business and investment development, strengthens business contacts, and creates conditions for mutually beneficial partnership and long-term cooperation between Russia and Thailand.

On November 28, 2025, the forst Festival of Contemporary Thai-Russian Culture called MIR will take place at Andamanda, the largest aqua-park on Phuket. The event will continue the third day of the Russia-Thailand Investment Forum, shifting the dialogue between the two countries from business to culture.

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Russian Radio, the festival will feature a Golden Gramophone Award concert with performances by JONY, Irakli, Alexandra Vorobyova, and another yet-to-be-announced artist. Sharing the stage with the Russian performers will be Thai superstars Bowkylion, Getsunova, Kae Wanthakan, Wizzle, Rocketman, and The Mousses.

Festival visitors can look forward to a dance floor right in the pool by the main stage, two food court zones offering Thai and Russian cuisine, and entertainment areas inspired by Thai mythology. Children will enjoy special animation and play zones.

The MIR Festival is designed as a platform for cultural exchange, bringing together the best of modern music, gastronomy, and creativity from both countries.

Learn more about the program at mir-fest.com.

A Russia–Thailand business dialogue took place in Vladivostok, bringing together government officials, business representatives, and experts from both countries. The focus was on exploring new forms of cooperation amid the transformation of the global economy and the growing importance of Asia-oriented development.

Chairman of the Russia–Thailand Business Council Ivan Demchenko presented the forum’s framework, outlining key topics ranging from the creation of a joint investment hub to the development of logistics, digital technologies, and tourism. According to Demchenko, Russian investments account for 40–50% of Thailand’s foreign real estate market, and the potential for bilateral cooperation far exceeds current figures:

"Today, trade between our countries amounts to only $1.8 billion – clearly insufficient. At the same time, Russia has already invested around $6–7 billion into Thailand’s economy, and the projected tourist flow from Russia to Thailand by 2025 is expected to reach 2 million people. This reflects the real scale of our cooperation and the new prospects for business".

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Alexey Gruzdev highlighted opportunities for diversifying cooperation:

"The potential in biotechnology, medical equipment, civil shipbuilding, industrial digitalization, and cybersecurity remains underutilized. E-commerce can also become an important tool for boosting trade. All this will allow us to reach a new level of engagement".

Russian Ambassador to Thailand Evgeny Tomikhin emphasized the importance of cultural and humanitarian dimensions:

"In two years, we will celebrate the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations. We have a strong foundation of intergovernmental cooperation, and it is important that major business forums and cultural projects are supported by practical results. The embassy is ready to assist in selecting reliable Thai partners".

President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sergey Katyrin also voiced support for holding such business dialogues and joint meetings:

"Thailand is one of Russia’s most promising trade and economic partners in Southeast Asia. To unlock this potential, it is essential to strengthen cooperation in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, the creative economy, and food security. Success, however, depends on the quality of information exchange and the creation of new effective platforms for business dialogue."

Russia also proposed sharing successful digitalization practices, including a platform that automates tax control.

“This technology has already helped Russia reduce the shadow economy from 80% to 20% and collect over $200 billion in additional taxes from small and medium-sized businesses. We are ready to consider offering such solutions to Thailand,” said Boris Titov, Special Presidential Representative for relations with international organizations in achieving sustainable development goals.

Thai partners also expressed interest in expanding cooperation. Suphakit Tiaravanon, head of C.P. Group, stressed:

"We have been investing in Russia for more than 20 years, primarily in the food industry. I see great potential in digital technologies and robotics. Russia has unique competencies that could be in demand in Thailand."

The dialogue participants also discussed prospects for establishing a joint investment hub, improving logistics, air connections, tourist routes, as well as launching new projects in sustainable development and renewable energy.

In conclusion, Ivan Demchenko noted that eliminating barriers, simplifying certification procedures, and creating new cooperation chains remain key tasks. In November, both sides plan to meet again at a major investment forum in Phuket, which is expected to become a key platform for signing deals and launching joint initiatives.