Thai Speaker Welcomes Russian Envoy to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
Thai House Speaker Sophon Sarabury met Russian Ambassador Yevgeny Tomihin on October 1, 2026 to congratulate him on his appointment and discuss strengthening bilateral ties ahead of the 130th anniversary of Thai‑Russian diplomatic relations in 2027. The ambassador voiced concern over Bangkok’s flooding and praised relief efforts, while both sides pledged to boost cooperation in security, trade, investment, culture and technology through parliamentary mechanisms and joint commemorative activities.
On October 1, 2026, House Speaker Sophon Sarabury received Russian Ambassador Yevgeny Tomihin at the parliament’s special reception room to congratulate him on his new post. Speaker Sophon welcomed the envoy, applauding his attendance at Thai royal ceremonies as a sign of enduring friendship. He traced Thai‑Russian relations from King Chulalongkorn’s travels to Russia to the Queen Mother’s 2007 visit, which coincided with the 110th anniversary of diplomatic ties. He affirmed that the legislative branch is prepared to employ parliamentary mechanisms to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in security, the economy, trade and investment, aiming for sustainable future development. Ambassador Tomihin expressed worry about the flooding in Bangkok and the rising water levels of the Chao Phraya River, praising the efforts of national agencies and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to alleviate public hardship. He emphasized that Russia cherishes the shared history, especially the Queen Mother’s 2007 trip — her final overseas journey — and pointed out that 2027 will mark the 130th anniversary of Thai‑Russian diplomatic relations. The Russian embassy is discussing joint celebrations with Thailand’s Foreign and Culture Ministries, covering political dialogue, high‑level exchanges, trade, investment, culture, education, science and technology. The ambassador also outlined long‑term cooperation in energy, food security and mutual investment, noting that on October 11, 2026 Russia will host an investment forum and has invited members of the House of Representatives and Senate to participate, recognizing the legislature’s role in promoting future Thai‑Russian collaboration.
