This was said by a Foreign Ministry official on Thursday.

The Southeast Asian nation submitted a formal request to join at a BRICS ministerial meeting a week ago, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, said.

"We hope to receive positive feedback and be accepted as BRICS member as soon as the next summit to be held in Russia," he said.

Thailand is also looking to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), after being invited by the Paris-based group to open accession discussions.

"We are putting together an accession roadmap, conditions and timeframe in line with OECD instruments," said Nikorndej, adding there was no set timeline for joining the group.

"Starting the membership application now will be beneficial. It will help attract foreign investment, generate income and improve people's quality of life."  

--Reuters--