Kazakhstan and Thailand Strengthen Relations, Enhance Trade and Digital Connectivity

Kazakhstan and Thailand are enhancing political, trade, and digital ties, exploring areas like agriculture, energy, cybersecurity, transport, and tourism, with commitments to expand cooperation and strategic projects by 2026.

Strengthening Bilateral Political Relations

Kazakhstan and Thailand are actively revitalizing their diplomatic relationship, evidenced by recent high-level discussions in Bangkok. Ambassador Margulan Baimukhan of Kazakhstan engaged with Eksiri Pintaruchi, the Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to reaffirm their mutual commitment to deepening cooperation. The dialogue reflects a high level of trust and a shared goal of expanding their partnership across multiple domains. Over time, they have established a robust political dialogue characterized by regular visits and an increasingly comprehensive legal framework. Noteworthy agreements signed in the past two years cover visa-free travel, trade, economic collaboration, digitalization, tourism, agriculture, and international development. Both nations see an opportunity to further strengthen these ties by enhancing interagency coordination and planning new initiatives in 2026, signifying their dedication to long-term strategic partnership.

Expanding Trade, Investment, and Economic Cooperation

Economic ties form a core component of their partnership, with Kazakhstan serving as Thailand’s largest trading partner in Central Asia, accounting for roughly 70% of Thailand’s trade with the region. During their talks, both countries explored ways to boost cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, mechanical engineering, energy, and tourism. Kazakhstan showcased its potential as a major supplier of grains and meats, aligning with Thailand’s ambition to develop into a regional food hub. The discussions also emphasized finalizing critical agreements on investment protection, double taxation avoidance, and veterinary and quarantine protocols to facilitate smoother trade and investment flows. Notably, cooperation in exploiting Kazakhstan’s rich reserves of strategic raw materials such as rare-earth metals was highlighted, with joint projects proposed to support Thailand’s growing high-tech sector. These initiatives aim to leverage Kazakhstan’s natural resources to meet Thailand’s increasing demand for advanced materials, reinforcing the economic partnership’s strategic importance.

Advancing Digital Collaboration and Transport Connectivity

Digital technology and connectivity are becoming focal points of bilateral cooperation. Both countries exchanged ideas on digital trade, fintech, cloud services, cybersecurity, and smart logistics, recognizing the significance of digital transformation for economic growth. Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish a UN ESCAP Digital Solutions Center in Almaty underscores its commitment to becoming a regional hub for digital innovation. Additionally, transportation links between the two countries are strengthening, with 23 direct flights operated weekly by airlines such as Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, and Thai AirAsia X. The inauguration of the Shymkent-Bangkok route in December has further enhanced tourism and logistics, facilitating greater movement of people and goods. Future routes and corridors, such as the Middle Corridor and multimodal connections along the China-Laos-Thailand railway, are seen as opportunities to deepen regional connectivity and economic integration.

Future Outlook and Multilateral Cooperation

Both nations expressed strong interest in amplifying their international cooperation, emphasizing their shared perspectives on global issues and commitment to multilateral platforms. Kazakhstan considers Thailand a key partner in Southeast Asia, viewing this relationship as vital to its broader foreign policy objectives. The upcoming opening of the Kazakhstan Consulate in Phuket, scheduled for January 2026, exemplifies the expanding people-to-people ties and tourism cooperation. The bilateral talks concluded with an appreciation of their existing partnership and a mutual determination to further develop their strategic, economic, and diplomatic ties. As they look ahead to 2026 and beyond, Kazakhstan and Thailand are dedicated to building a resilient and mutually beneficial relationship that spans political, economic, digital, and regional cooperation spheres.