The new government is expected to pursue a foreign policy focused on yielding economic dividends, with proactive diplomacy targeted at securing more market access around the globe.

 

The government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin might reposition the country’s stance to better cope with geopolitical conflicts and competitions.

 

The issue of economy is important for foreign policy, but security matters as well, according to Professor Ukrist Pathmanand from Chulalongkorn University’s Institute of Asian Studies. He, however, added that Srettha’s Cabinet has no minister or deputy keen on international security.

 

The prime minister himself and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Kukara have solid backgrounds in business and economic relations, but not security issues.

 

Sutin Klangsang, who became only the fifth civilian to run the Defense Ministry, also has no experience in security and military affairs, he said.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/will-new-foreign-policy-tilt-away-from-china-towards-the-west/

 

-- Thai PBS 2023-09-08

 

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No, most likely not.

4 minutes ago, webfact said:

with proactive diplomacy targeted at securing more market access around the globe.

big brother XI will not allow it

19 minutes ago, Mavideol said:

big brother XI will not allow it

With a somewhat strategic position, who will line the purse the most.

Thailand's security threats are entirely internal, created by its own military forces used for internal security and 'nation building'.

 

This is unlikely to change any time in the future that anyone can foresee. The Chinese threat issue that exercises the Japanese, Taiwanese, Philippines, Usofans and Australians relates to (1) Chinese attempts at a takeover of the South China Sea & the East China Sea - areas vital to all trade in SEA, East Asia & Oceania (2) Chinese threats to Taiwan's defacto independence as a modern democratic nation (3) China's ceaseless search for more energy sources worldwide, leading to massive 'investment' in Africa and (4) Chinese leaning heavily via illegal economic sanctions on anyone who dares to stand up to them (eg Oz).

 

None of which is of much concern to Thailand as a security threat (as opposed to an economic one).

He who controls the Mekong controls Thailand and Indochina. Xi controls the Mekong.

15 hours ago, webfact said:

Sutin Klangsang, who became only the fifth civilian to run the Defense Ministry, also has no experience in security and military affairs,

He will be told what to do... no worry about that.

Yes, already has, Future Forward was pretty much aligned with Western interests too much so there was push back, new guy is but also practical... so back to middle with alignment towards the west but open arms to the east.

Only untill it's expedient not to be tilted.

When the strong wind blows the bamboo bends.

The headline poses a strange question, bearing in mind that the very first thing the new PM did, his top priority, was to announce easier access for Chinese tourists.

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

He will be told what to do... no worry about that.

The perfect bloke to run it.

555 Who's gonna make all the Chinese junk products, with kill switches? 7 kettles in 13 years. Guaranteed, yes but not the switch. 

Good the Thais will love the dirty farang again...

Who's paying?

Will new foreign policy tilt away from China towards the West?

 

I serious doubt that the 'west' will want closer ties with a country doing military operations with China ! Any 'elected' government may truly want closer ties with the west, but the military want closer ties with China - one will win - and it will not be the 'elected' 

16 hours ago, John Drake said:

He who controls the Mekong controls Thailand and Indochina. Xi controls the Mekong.

The power of Water is immense

Ugly Wars are going to be fought over this priceless commodity in future Years

Will new foreign policy tilt away from China towards the West?

 

One can but hope!

19 hours ago, webfact said:

that Srettha’s Cabinet has no minister or deputy keen on international security.

What? Imagine all those jollies and junkets: Free trips abroad. Must be something deterring them.

No, I don't think so. Sretha will travel to Beijing soon.

18 hours ago, John Drake said:

He who controls the Mekong controls Thailand and Indochina. Xi controls the Mekong.

Good read - "Weaponizing Water: How China Controls the Mekong," March 9, 2022

https://www.davispoliticalreview.com

Not so for China's claim of sovereignty over the entire South China Sea for which Thailand has had no opinion despite the judgement by an international tribunal in the Hague. Versus acknowledging or supporting the court ruling from Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines and Brunei; also Taiwan that China argues is under Chinese sovereignty. July 12, 2016  https://www.theguardian.com

Outside of those countries are supporters Australia, Japan,  India, Germany, France, Italy and the UK.

 

We will see. But many times in the past Thailand has shown a lack of principles and morals, constantly testing the waters to exploit any available advantages.

 

 

On 9/9/2023 at 2:18 AM, Cake Monster said:

The power of Water is immense

Ugly Wars are going to be fought over this priceless commodity in future Years

No. First world country's build de salination plants