Thailand takes next steps to join BRICS 

FILE - Officials pose for a group photo during a meeting of the BRICS Plus Ministerial Council in the city of Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, June 11, 2024. FILE - China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (C) and Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira pose for a group photo during a meeting of the BRICS Plus Ministerial Council in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, June 11, 2024.

Thailand is pushing ahead with its application to join BRICS, the group of developing countries that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, but experts say they are skeptical about whether it is the right move.