Thailand's delicate stance with Israel

Now that the last Thai hostage’s identity has been confirmed, the time has come for Thailand to reassess its ties with Israel.

- Kavi Chongkittavorn

In this handout photo dated Aug 21, the Royal Thai Navy displays a newly received 155mm Autonomous Truck Mounted Gun in Chon Buri's Sattahip district. The weapon was manufactured domestically in collaboration with Israel's Elbit Systems.

(ROYAL THAI NAVY)

Bangkok faces one of its most delicate diplomatic dilemmas in decades. At this intersection, the country’s relationship with Israel has become more strategic and more risky. On the one hand, Israel remains a global powerhouse in defence and technology. On the other hand, its military operations in Gaza, widely condemned as an act of genocide, have put Thailand’s close partnership with the country in a difficult position.

Lest we forget, 48 Thai citizens died as a direct result of Hamas’ Oct 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, most in the initial assault and the rest while being held hostage.

For Thailand, the most pertinent question is how to engage with Israel without compromising its foreign policy principles or the peace process in the southern provinces.

Recognising Israel’s strength in defence technology, the Thai military has been importing Israeli defence-related items, including drones and surveillance systems.

In addition, Israeli weapons and intelligence systems have also provided tactical advantages for the Thai armed forces, especially the air force, to perform precision operations with minimal collateral damage. Today, cooperation extends beyond purchases to joint development, technology transfer and local manufacturing, particularly of drones, naval sensors and guided munitions. This has helped Thailand modernise its defence posture, which would otherwise depend on Western or Chinese arms.