Thailand is demonstrably famous for its foreign policy balancing. From the era of imperialism and two World Wars through the Cold War, Thailand's gifted geography and diplomatic finesse and skill shepherded the country's sovereignty and independence through the thick and thin of geopolitical headwinds. Whatever happens out there, the Thais (and their Siamese forebears) had a way to diplomatically navigate and geopolitically balance their national interests to stay out of harm's way.
But centuries of diplomatic ingenuity and geographic luck can be undermined by quick and careless acts of injudicious leadership. In a recent interview with Time magazine, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha let it be known that "China is the number one partner of Thailand". Gen Prayut prefaced his view by pointing out that "the friendship between Thailand and China has existed over thousands of years, and with the US for around 200 years".
Thitinan Pongsudhirak teaches International Relations and directs the Institute of Security and International Studies at Chulalongkorn University.
