Thailand reconsiders its foreign policy

Thai foreign policy was elevated to a high priority on the policy platforms of many political parties during Sunday’s general election.

- Kavi Chongkittavorn

Prime ministerial candidate Anutin Charnvirakul gives a speech at an election rally in Si Sa Ket province on Feb 4. He said he was ready to return to work to defend Thailand's border with Cambodia. BHUMJAITHAI PARTY

(BHUMJAITHAI PARTY)

The stakes have risen enormously due to growing public interest following the conflict with Cambodia.During the campaign, numerous debates focused on foreign policy — something that was rare in previous electoral contests.

For the time being, only the Bhumjaithai Party and the People’s Party (PP) are seriously pushing their foreign policy agendas.

Sunday's election outcome — a Bhumjaithai victory — suggests the current foreign policy direction will continue largely uninterrupted.

However, questions were raised during a panel discussion last month at the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on the future of Thai diplomatic strategy in the so-called disorderly multipolar world.

One of the panellists, Fuadi Pitsuwan, a lecturer in international politics at Thammasat University, floated a new concept of “wind turbine diplomacy” to enhance Thailand’s strategic autonomy, resilience and international influence.

To understand the present dynamics of Thai foreign policy, it is important to briefly recap developments under the short-lived Anutin administration.

The government elevated Thai diplomacy to a much-needed level that allowed Thai voices to be heard on the global stage.

Under Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeaw, Thailand took advantage of its longstanding policy of flexibility and nonalignment, raising the country’s profile remarkably within a short period.

With major powers competing head-to-head for influence and economic interests in the region, Thailand now faces a dilemma, as it can no longer bend with every political wind blowing from multiple directions.