An ever evolving MFA turns 150

During his reign from 1851 to 1868, King Mongkut or King Rama IV issued a clear directive to Siamese diplomats in the era of Western Imperialism that they must protect national sovereignty with intelligence and diplomacy.

- Kavi Chongkittavorn

In doing so, the late monarch said Siam must accept the diplomatic approach comes with a cost. This pro-diplomacy has safeguarded the country's sovereignty to this day.

King Mongkut’s directive has become diplomatic tradition adopted by generations of diplomats at Saranrom Palace, known as the first home of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Although 150 years have passed, global politics largely remain the same. Powerful nations that King Rama IV once described as “whales” and “crocodiles” continue to fight for power and exert control over smaller ones just they did during the colonial era.

In modern times with the arrival of AI, these super powers are aggressive as they once were, if not even more. The geopolitical climate follows historical patterns — stronger nations exert power, demonise adversaries, and seize opportunities where they can. Thailand is no stranger to these dynamics.

A case in point is US President Donald Trump who is trying to make America great again through hyper tariffs and other coercive measures.

Thailand's biggest foreign policy challenges usually come from within. A common mantra dictates that all foreign policy is local and primarily driven by the country's economic interests. A country’s diplomatic goal has always been the protection of national sovereignty. This goal has remained unchanged regardless of who runs things — a junta or civilian government.

For centuries, Thailand has survived on a razor’s edge thanks to the country's diplomacy. Adaptability and resilience have long been hallmarks of Thai diplomacy — so much so that it is often called the “bamboo policy’ bending with the wind.