The distinguished forum held at the grand halls of Chulalongkorn University, titled “Thai Foreign Policy Outlook for the Incoming Government,” saw speakers band together in agreement, addressing Thailand’s overbearing foreign policy concerns. These concerns draw roots from the mounting tensions between global powerhouses, the United States and China, and the neutrality issues clouding the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), especially concerning the dilemma in Myanmar.
Chulalongkorn University’s esteemed Political Science Faculty’s Institute of Security and International Studies, working in collaboration with the European Union delegation in Thailand, conducted this event on a warm Monday.
Reflecting upon the geopolitical transition since the military coup of 2014, former Thai ambassador and a speaker at the forum, Russ Jalichandra, pointed out that due to an uncomfortable relationship with western nations, Thailand’s governing body decided to shift its gaze inward. “They found solace in nations that remain silent on issues of democracy and human rights. Their struggle lies in justifying Thailand’s absence of an independent stance in the global arena,” Jalichandra elucidated. He further urged the forthcoming government to restore Thailand’s equilibrium in maintaining associations with the world’s leading powers.
“Without a doubt, China has marked its significance for Thailand in all possible areas, and altering that balance abruptly doesn’t sound feasible. However, bridging the communication gap with our western partners is equally crucial,” asserted Russ.
Adding to the conversation, Assoc Prof Sitthiphon Kruarattikan, associated with Thammasat University’s College of Interdisciplinary Studies, noted that the relationship bond between China and Thailand has significantly fortified over the last nine years. At the helm of this strengthening liaison was Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Factors contributing to this close-knit association include regular leadership meet-ups, substantial bilateral trade, and the inflow of millions of Chinese tourists into Thailand.
However, with the advent of a new Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, stemming from the private sector, the new administration was more likely to view China as an economic boon rather than a potential threat, a perspective mirroring Prayut’s retiring administration. But Sitthiphon expressed his concern regarding Thailand’s overly pro-China conduct, indicating potential challenges for Thailand in reclaiming its leadership stance in ASEAN. “This overly friendly approach towards China might pose a risk to our reputation if a China-centric issue comes up for discussion in the ASEAN forum,” he stated.
Jittipat Poonkham, an associate professor from Thammasat University’s Faculty of Political Science, explained to the audience that Thailand’s significant shift towards China was a consequence of the U.S.’s ambiguous policies towards the region, particularly regarding Thailand.
Bhanubhatra Jittiang from Chulalongkorn University, a well-respected political scientist, urged the new Thai Government not to overlook the prolonged crisis in Myanmar. The drawn-out issue has amplified the existing problems along the shared border between the two nations, leading to illicit drug trafficking, money laundering, and human smuggling.
Sara Rezoagli, who serves as the charge d’affaires of the European Union to Thailand, expressed the EU’s anticipation towards a fruitful collaboration with the new Thai Government, with hopes to add strength to EU-Thai ties. This desire aligns perfectly with the EU-Thailand Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed recently in December 2022.
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