At a media roundtable during FTI EXPO two thousand twenty-five, Ivan Demchenko, Chairman of the Russia-Thai Business Council, revealed plans to expand Russian investment in Thailand across several sectors, including hospitality, technology, energy, and maritime logistics.

Demchenko emphasized that these investments are intended to further strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

He noted that in the first nine months of two thousand twenty-four, bilateral trade between Thailand and Russia reached approximately one point one nine billion US dollars, representing 0.26 percent of Thailand’s global trade, with Thai exports to Russia amounting to around six hundred ten million US dollars and imports from Russia totaling about five hundred seventy-eight million US dollars.

Demchenko highlighted that Russia is Thailand’s largest European tourism market, with Russian tourist arrivals expected to reach two million this year.

He also pointed out that approximately two hundred fifty thousand Russians now reside in Thailand, primarily in Phuket and Pattaya, which presents significant opportunities in the hospitality sector.

In support of this, the Russia-Thai Business Council plans to host a major investment forum in Phuket this October to engage Russian businesses interested in the Thai market, with discussions already underway with several Russian restaurant groups about establishing beach clubs and hotels.

The forum is expected to also showcase innovations from leading Russian technology firms, including Vision Lab and Aquarius, with a focus on artificial intelligence and IT solutions.

In addition, Demchenko mentioned ongoing discussions to establish a direct maritime route between Russia and Thailand to enhance logistics and trade, as well as initiatives in the energy sector, such as oil trade, refinery projects, and developments in the fertiliser industry, including the potential creation of a dedicated port for production and export.

Demchenko further indicated that Russian investors are open to conducting transactions in Thai baht and are keen to work with Thai small and medium-sized enterprises.

He also noted growing interest in Thailand’s film and post-production industry, with plans to establish a film university in the country to support educational and cultural exchanges.

Finally, he mentioned that Russian companies are exploring opportunities in Thailand’s green industry, including the establishment of recycling centres and sustainable electrical power generation projects.