Sun Sep 29 22:53:00 UTC 2024: ## Thailand’s Brics Bid Sparks Concerns Over ASEAN Unity

**TOKYO** – Thailand’s recent move to join the BRICS group of nations has raised concerns about the future of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), according to a Japanese expert on international relations. Masafumi Ishii, a special adjunct professor at Gakushuin University and former Ambassador of Japan to Indonesia, warned that Thailand’s decision could be a “breakup point” for ASEAN.

Ishii pointed to the fact that other ASEAN members, including Cambodia and Laos, could follow Thailand’s lead and seek membership in BRICS. He also noted that this move could have significant repercussions for ASEAN unity, as the bloc struggles to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape.

While acknowledging the freedom of choice for individual member states, Ishii stressed the importance of internal ASEAN discussion before pursuing such significant decisions. He highlighted that Japan values ASEAN’s unity and is concerned about potential fragmentation within the bloc.

Japan’s Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister, Ryo Nakamura, however, expressed confidence that Thailand’s decision wouldn’t impact Japan’s trust in both Thailand and ASEAN. He emphasized that each country has the right to pursue its own interests and cooperate with different groups based on its needs.

Nakamura also reiterated Japan’s commitment to strengthening ASEAN’s unity, highlighting its unique model of collaboration and its remarkable success over the past decades. He urged ASEAN to remain united in the face of external pressures and to leverage its strength to navigate a complex global environment.

Thailand’s government justified its bid to join BRICS as a means to enhance its international role and contribute to global policy-making. The move is seen as a way to increase Thailand’s standing as a leader among developing countries and strengthen its economic prospects.

While Thailand’s decision remains under scrutiny, the potential impact on ASEAN’s future is a cause for concern. The bloc faces the challenge of balancing individual member interests with the need to maintain unity and coherence in an increasingly interconnected world.

Read More