Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon on Friday discussed bilateral relations with the Russian ambassador to Thailand and eyed an increase in cooperation over trade and the purchase of military hardware.
Trade and investment issues were discussed by Gen Prawit and Kirill Barsky, in particular cooperation on trade in agricultural products, including rice and rubber.
Defence Ministry spokesman Col Kongcheep Tantravanich said Gen Prawit, who is also deputy prime minister, has proposed to establish a joint committee to discuss and study the trade proposal.
"Gen Prawit has proposed setting up a joint committee with Thai and Russian government officials who will work together on the project as a government-to-government model," he said.
The Russian envoy also invited Gen Prawit to attend the international meeting on counter terrorism to be held in Russia from April 16-17.
Gen Prawit also thanked Russia for its understanding over the Thai political situation and for its support of the government led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as he leads the country back to democracy.
Mr Barsky also informed Gen Prawit in the meeting about a plan to promote tourism by encouraging Russians to choose Thailand as a holiday destination, Col Kongcheep said.
In 2014, 1.6 million Russian tourists visited Thailand, according to the Thai tourism department.