Thailand is positioning itself as a strategic player in Myanmar's delayed Dawei deep-sea port project, particularly to reduce Malacca Strait dependency and provide an alternative trade gateway. During bilateral talks, Thailand and Russia discussed the port's viability, infrastructure connections (rail and road), and broader regional economic cooperation including a potential Thailand-EAEU trade agreement. Key barriers include payment mechanisms amid Ukraine sanctions and agricultural trade restrictions, which authorities are working to resolve through reciprocal inspections.