Thailand, Malaysia planning to join BRICS activity - Russian presidential aide

MOSCOW. June 25 (Interfax) - Thailand and Malaysia are among over 30 countries that have applied to join BRICS, Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said.

"The number of countries wishing to join BRICS one way or another has been constantly growing. Thailand and Malaysia are among countries that have recently filed their applications," Ushakov said at the jubilee Primakov Readings international forum.

The total number of applications exceeds 30, Ushakov said. "Our presidency is actively working on the coordination of criteria for the new category of BRICS partner states and an approximate list of countries that may receive this status," Ushakov said.