ASEAN in Thailand’s Foreign Policy under the Military Government (2014-2019): Continuity and Change

The Thai government under Banharn Silpa-archa (1995-1996), even though he was in the position for only one year due to conflicts in Thailand's politics, the government had outstanding results in Thailand being the organizer of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) №ГФ№ГСµ№м аЄТЗм·Н§ Narinrat Chaothong, №вВєТВµиТ§»ГРа·ИўН§д·Вг№ЎГНєўН§НТа«ХВ№г№·ИЗГГЙ 1990 (Thai foreign policy in the framework of ASEAN in the 1990s) //Thammasat University press: 2004, p. 47, which was a proposal of Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong for Thailand to host the first Asian international Conference. The ASEM meeting consisting of 7 ASEAN countries and China, Japan, South Korea and the European market countries, it was held for the benefit of promoting economic cooperation, held on 1-2 March 1996. The participation in this meeting is to discuss ways to promote the connection between politics, economy, society and culture between Asia-Europe region, especially creating a balance in relations between the centers of economic activity between Asia, Europe and North America, which play an important role in global economic growth.

The Chavalit government (1996-1997) also attempted to exercise Thailand's role through its “Indochina Policy”. Thai policymakers felt that their country was becoming less active in regional affairs, especially during the preceding government. Chavalit declared his intention to restore Thailand's formerly regional influence, which rested mainly on improving relations with neighboring countries based on his personal ties cultivated during his service in the Thai military. This policy revolved around Thailand's pushing for ASEAN's admission of Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. Pongphisoot Busbarat, Thailand's Foreign Policy: The Struggle for Regional Leadership in Southeast Asia // Globalization, Development and Security in Asia, 2014,p. 136. Furthermore, Chavalit also advocated the “Look West” policy that intended to place Thailand as a crucial link between South Asia and Southeast Asia under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) initiative. Anchalee Kongrut, Making Bimstec matter// https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1839464/making-bimstec-matter (Date of access 1 March, 2020) The purpose of this cooperation was to create economic and social prosperity by promoting cooperation based on equality and shared interests, economic, social and technology, as well as providing assistance to member countries in the form of training and research training, member states have agreed to cooperate in 9 branches which are 1. Trade 2. Investment and Industry 3. Technology 4. Human Resource Development 5. Tourism 6. Agriculture Cooperation 7. Energy 8. Transportation 9. Public utility, the important mechanism of the cooperation framework was a meeting of both ministers and senior officials. It was apparent that Chavalit positioned Thailand as an important piece in the jigsaw to fill the whole picture of potential economic prosperity with a market size of 1.3 billion people. It can be observed that during the years between Chatichai and the 1997 Financial Crisis Thai foreign policy attempted to nominate Thailand as a center of regional dynamics. Thailand envisioned its leadership to be recognized, therefore, invested extensively in its regional policy throughout this time. аКТЗіХ ЁС№·Рѕ§Йм бЕР №ФёФКТГ ѕ§Им»ФВРдѕєЩЕВм (Saowanee Chanthapong and Nithisan Sanphongpiyaphaiboon) , 20 »ХЗФЎДµаИГЙ°ЎФЁ 2540:є·аГХВ№КЩиаКй№·Т§аИГЙ°ЎФЁ·ХиКБґШЕбЕРВСи§ВЧ№ (20 years of economic crisis 1997: Lesson towards a balanced and sustainable economic path) // FOCUSED AND QUICK (FAQ) Issue 115, https://www.bot.or.th/Thai/MonetaryPolicy/ArticleAndResearch/FAQ/FAQ_115.pdf (Date of access 1 March, 2020)

The Asian Financial Crisis that hit Thailand in mid-1997 marked the country's losing competitiveness and confidence to assert any regional leadership. The government of Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai in his second term (1997-2000), had implemented a policy to improve Thailand's image and confidence in the world community by focusing on the principles of democracy and human rights and participating in an international forum for the protection and promotion of democratic values ??and human rights. The Thai government had also implemented policies to promote international cooperation with neighbouring countries and also to present new cooperation frameworks such as ASEAN + 3. In addition, Thailand also proposed North Korea to be a member of the ASEAN regional Forum. Pongphisoot Busbarat, Thailand's Foreign Policy: The Struggle for Regional Leadership in Southeast Asia // Globalization, Development and Security in Asia, 2014,p. 137.

Thailand under the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra throughout the 6 years (2001-2006), pro-active foreign policies had been focused on economic interests, both trade and investment, rather than universal principles such as democracy and human rights. The Thai government was focusing on neighbouring countries and major powers that are its main trading partners using the “Forward Engagement” foreign policy that focused on proactive trade and international relations. Thailand had a willingness to trade with all parties and does not support the intervention of internal affairs of neighbouring countries, as well as not to pressure Myanmar's political and economical on human rights violations. Thailand supported the reconciliation of Myanmar by hosting a Forum on International Support for National Reconciliation in Myanmar or the so-called “Bangkok process” on December 15, 2003. This meeting gave Myanmar an opportunity to explain national reconciliation plans for ethnic groups to participate in politics, which made Myanmar see that Thailand is sincere in helping Myanmar from the pressure of western countries.

The Thaksin government had also created many multilateral cooperation frameworks at both sub-regional and continental levels to strengthen relations and push for Thailand's leading role in various stages, such as the cooperation framework the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy or ACMECS. ACMECS is a framework for cooperation in which Thailand plays a leading role in economic cooperation with neighbouring countries that have land borders connecting Thailand, namely Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. Thailand sees the opportunity to encourage neighbouring countries to develop their countries better in accordance with the `prosper-thy-neighbor' policy, this policy promote their neighbors to have more growth. Thailand believes that if everyone has well-being, they will be encouraged to do much more to benefit the people together. The proposal to establish the ACMECS is therefore the intention of Thailand to make the Irrawaddy, Chao Phraya, Mekong River Basin to be a stable and prosperous land. Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Kingdom of Thailand,·У¤ЗТБГЩйЁСЎ ACMECS ¤ЗТБГиЗББЧНКТБбБи№йУ// http://www.mfa.go.th/main/th/information/8149/88649-·У¤ЗТБГЩй-ACMECS-¤ЗТБГиЗББЧНКТБбБи№йУ.html (Date of access 1 March, 2020) The leaders of all 4 countries have signed the “Bagan Declaration” that will cooperate in 5 areas, as well as certifying the Economic Cooperation Strategy Plan of Action that consists of more than 200 bilateral projects divided into 6 main branches which are to facilitate trade and investment, agricultural and industrial cooperation, transportation links, tourism cooperation, and human resource development and public health cooperation. ACMECS , PROTOCOL TO THE BAGAN DECLARATION // http://www.mfa.go.th/acmecs/en/articles (Date of access 1 March, 2020)

The Thaksin government had also initiated a continental economic cooperation framework, namely Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), which is a large-scale collaborative forum consisting of ministerial representatives from 4 Asian regions countries: ASEAN, East Asia, South Asia and the Middle East. Its main objective is to promote understanding, Asian trust, as well as broad cooperation, mainly based on the strengths and potentials of the member countries. USA Int'l Business Publications, Thailand Army Weapon Systems Handbook// Int'l Business Publications, 2007, p. 220

After Thailand's military took power in 2006, it was the beginning of Thailand's political crisis. Even after the military government, there were many protests in the country which made the Thai government focused mainly on an internal affair and did not have many activities on international affairs. The Thai government during the period of Samak Sunthornwet and Somchai Wongsawat, which ruled for just one year (2008-2009), their work was only ratifying the ASEAN Charter and did not have any foreign affairs.

Thailand under Abhisit Vejjajiva (2009-2011), it played an important role in ASEAN as it was during the period that Thailand chaired ASEAN, allowing Thailand to host both the ministerial ASEAN meetings and joint meetings between ASEAN leaders and negotiating countries, as well as laying the foundation for the ASEAN Community in the future. During the 14th ASEAN Summit, ASEAN leaders signed the Cha-am Hua Hin Declaration on the Roadmap for the ASEAN Community, namely ASEAN Political and Security Community and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva proposed the vision to push the ASEAN community to be “Community of Connectivity” because Thailand recognizes that creating a regional network is the key to the ASEAN community. The connectivity in the region consists of physical connections through the creation of networks of land, water and air, as well as mental connections through mutual learning based on common civilization as well as an appreciation of each other's history, culture and traditions. ГРАСККГм а·ѕЄТµГХ (Prapat Thepchatree), 2 »Х №вВєТВµиТ§»ГРа·ИГС°єТЕНАФКФ·ёФм (2 years foreign policy of Abhisit Government) // http://www.drprapat.com/2-%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%B5-%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%82%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%95%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A8%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%90/ (Date of access 1 March, 2020)

The initiative of the Thai Prime Minister led to the establishment of a high-level task force to draft a master plan for the development of the regional transportation network, which would lead to the establishment of ASEAN Infrastructure Fund.The Asian Development Bank, ASEAN Infrastructure Fund // https://www.adb.org/site/funds/funds/asean-infrastructure-fund (Date of access 1 March, 2020) Thailand, as the chair of ASEAN, had played an important role in driving the economic integration of ASEAN together with expanding cooperation to connect the infrastructure, The linkage of these infrastructure not only helps the ASEAN community to connect more conveniently and more quickly, but also helps to increase trade and investment opportunities for Thailand as well as to expand the market for Thai products from just 60 million buyers in the market, it will become nearly 600 million buyers in the ASEAN community. It is also able to be a source of funds and investment targets for Thailand in the future, and because of its location in the center of the region, it is considered an advantage over other member countries because it makes it easy to be transportation hub in the region.

Thailand under the Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra followed the path of previous Thailand's government policy, particularly, through investing in transport infrastructure projects to enhance regional trade, including preparing to enter the ASEAN community in 2015 and being friendly to all neighbouring countries. The government in this era had always encountered political problems, with rallies and radical protests in the capital city until the violence occurred, opening the door for the Thai military to take a coup and change the government.

2.3 The US and China Factors

Thailand, as a small country in Southeast Asia, could not make their foreign policy without being aware of factors from major powers. Thailands always tries to balance its relations with the US and China in the region since the Cold War, there are several factors that shaped its policy:

1) Thailand's foreign policy toward the United States.

From past to present, the US is a key dialogue partner of the ASEAN cooperation framework, the US signed jointly in 1977 and held meetings with ASEAN in many areas, including Joint action plan during the year 2011-2015. Since the past, Thailand and the US signed the 1833 Treaty of Amity and Commerce to open their official relations and started its cooperations in many aspects. U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Thailand, History of the U.S. and Thailand// https://th.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/policy-history/io/ (Date of access 7 March, 2020)

Thailand's Internal factors

- Politic After the change of political system in 1932, most of Thailand's government were under the military leaders that came from the coup, which had a conservative and anti-communist ideology similar to the United States. The US helped Thailand in fighting with the communists as well as protected the military governments in making the stability of power to rule the country, like during the period of Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat (1958 - 1963) and the Government of Field Marshal Thanom Kittikajorn (1963 - 1971), the military government suppressed groups of people who opposed their government by subjecting charges of committing acts of communism. In return, Thailand had also collaborated on military operations in the Indochina War against Communism with the US.

The change in domestic politics on October 14, 1973, in addition to overthrowing the military dictatorship, also led people to take more part in foreign policy decisions, especially those with nationalist feelings. The Thai nationalists saw the presence of US forces in the country caused Thailand to lose sovereignty and damage national dignity, combined with the changing international environment, such as the easing of tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, caused a strong alliance with the United States in such a manner was no longer benefit Thailand. A group of students then marched and protested and expelled the United States Army in 1975. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sukrit Pramoj, at that time, submitted an ultimatum for the United States to withdraw its troops from Thailand as soon as possible. Post today, а»ФґбїйББШББН§гЛБи14 µШЕТ аєЧйН§ЛЕС§КЩйаѕЧиНаНЎГТЄ·иТБЎЕТ§АСВаКХиВ§µиННёФ»дµВ (Open a new perspective file. 14 Oct. Behind the fight for independence amid the risk of sovereignty) // https://www.posttoday.com/world/603547 (Date of access 7 March, 2020)

The changes in foreign policy during the government of Sukarit Pramoj in 1975, and the government of Seni Pramoj in 1976, was the adjustment of relations with the Communist Socialist countries in Indochina due to the withdrawal of the US from the region, making the US role in the region diminished, Thailand needed to change its policy to become more peaceful with neighbour countries as well as started the relations with China.

- Country development At the end of the second world war, Thailand was in a state of being affected by the war, the United States was the only superpower at that time that played an important role in helping Thailand to recover. As a result, the pursuit of assistance for national development is a factor that made Thailand see the benefits of having a close relationship with the United States, which the United States had provided very good assistance for Thailand, such as financial aid to repair the railroad and provide important equipment for the construction of transportation systems that were destroyed during the war. Atsawin Chintakanon, К§¤ГТБвЕЎ¤ГСй§·Хи 2 ·УдБд·ВЁЦ§дБибѕй ( World War 2, why Thailand is not lost )// https://www.teamgroup.co.th/downloads/publications/book221211.pdf (Date of access 7 March, 2020) The United States also provided financial and military assistance to improve Thailand's military against communist attacks. At the same time, in term of economy and society, Thailand also had received assistance from the United States. Therefore, the United States became the country that had helped Thailand the most since after World War II. However, after the end of the Vietnam War, US assistance to Thailand, especially economic assistance, had decreased to be inferior to the help that Thailand had from Japan. CRS Report, Thailand: Background and U.S. Relations// https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/RL32593.html (Date of access 7 March, 2020)

Thailand's external factors

External factors that define Thai foreign policy towards the United States are:

- International politics after World War 2 was an important external factor because of the threat of communism from China and USSR. The atmosphere of confrontation between communism and democratic ideology had made the United States see itself that it had to be a leader in protecting liberalism and democratic ideology from the spread and infiltration of communism everywhere in the world, both Thailand and the United States had the same concepts that want to resist and block the spread of communism, therefore, the US saw Thailand as a strategic partner and a representative of the free world in Southeast Asia. Thailand had implemented its policy to support the US such as the establishment of the Southeast Asian Treaty Organization (SEATO) and the Thanat-Rusk Joint Communiquйs that were reflecting the close relations and cooperation on security between Thailand and the United States. Throughout the Vietnam War, Thailand cooperated with the United States, and at the same time, the United States also provided a lot of security assistance to Thailand as well, it is considered that both countries have always relied on mutual benefits. However, after the United States had withdrawn its military forces from Vietnam, the relations between the two countries had changed to more political cooperation such as cooperation in resolving Cambodian problems in which the United States had provided political support and the efforts for ASEAN countries to solve problems by political means. After the Cold War, security and military relations of the two countries still continued, but not at a close level as before. However, the United States still sees Thailand as an important military ally in the region.

Currently, political cooperation and security between Thailand-the United States are still close, both military cooperation and cooperation in the international political and security framework, especially in the ASEAN Regional Forum in which Thailand always good interacts with the United States. Also, cooperation in drug suppression is an important symbol of cooperation between each other. After September 11, 2001, cooperation in counter-terrorism is a new issue in US foreign policy, and it is an important factor in determining the relationship levels in all areas between the United States and various countries. Thailand has cooperated well with the United States and many countries in the fight against terrorism, especially the exchange of information, increased security measures, immigration and blocking terrorist financial routes. Thailand has also entered into an international convention against terrorism Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, Thailand in Counter-Terrorism ,http://www.mfa.go.th/main/th/issues/9899-ЎТГµиНµйТ№ЎТГЎиНЎТГГйТВг№ЎГНєКЛ»ГРЄТЄТµФ.html (Date of access 7 March, 2020) ,which has pleased the United States in its constructive role in solving transnational problems and Thailand's active prevention and counter-terrorism.

- Foreign policy characteristics of Thailand towards the United States.

The relationship between Thailand and the United States officially began when the United States sent Edmund Robert, the first American ambassador, to sign the first treaty with Thailand during the reign of King Rama III. Until now, it can be said that Thailand and the United States have always been in good relations with each other rather than conflicts in comparison to other Western countries such as England or France. This may be because the United States is not threatening the sovereignty of Thailand. In addition, many Americans have been appointed as advisors to the Kingdom of Thailand from the reign of King Rama IV to King Rama VII and had played an important role in helping Thailand to amend the inequality treaty that Thailand had with other Western powers, such as Francis B. Syre, American advisor for the King Rama 6, who had helped to improve the Thai bureaucracy and other national affairs as well.

From the relationship between Thailand and the United States of America, we would like to classify Thai foreign policy to the United States into three periods as follows: Kitti Prasirtsuk, An Ally at the Crossroads:Thailand in the US Alliance System// http://press-files.anu.edu.au/downloads/press/n2504/pdf/ch08.pdf (Date of access 7 March, 2020)

(1) Before the event on October 14, 1973, the nature of Thai foreign policy towards the United States during the period from 1945 - 1973 was the resistance to the possession of Thai territory by one superpower. Thailand and the United States had collaborated against the expansion of Japanese influence to occupy the territory in Asia during World War II (1941 - 1945) there was the Free Thai movement established to against Japan that helped the allies during the war. After World War II, the United States had saved Thailand from being treated like a losing country from other allied superpowers. It also cooperated against regional threats, such as the establishment of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization - SEATO in 1954. Thailand also supported the establishment of international organizations such as the United Nations as well as collaborated on various problems, for instance, the Korean problem (1950 - 1953) by sending soldiers to join the UN soldiers led by the US in the Korean war as well as the war in Indochina (1954 - 1973).

For the policy of anti-communism, Thailand assisted the United States in the war of Vietnam, allowing the United States to set up military bases in Thailand for operations in Indochina. The United States also provided assistance to Thailand in terms of economy, technique, society and military to oppose the Communist movement in Thailand.

(2) After the events of 14 October 1973, which was an event that changed the politic in Thailand from the military government to civil government. In this period, the Thai government requested the United States to withdraw its base from Thailand. At the same time, the Mayaguez incident arises, with the United States sending marines through Thailand to seize the Mayakesha, a U.S. ship that was captured by the Khmer Rouge. The said actions of the United States did not ask for permission or consult the Thai government. Thailand considered it to be a violation of Thailand's sovereignty which affected relations between Thailand and its neighbouring countries, namely Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, which caused the relations between Thailand and the United States to decline as much as they never had before. DAVID VERGUN, Lessons Learned From 1975 Mayaguez Incident, https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/1710391/lessons-learned-from-1975-mayaguez-incident/. (Date of access 7 March, 2020)

(3) Current foreign policy characteristics, From the year 1973 until now, the nature of Thai foreign policy towards the United States is a collaboration in resolving various international problems together by using an international forum and bilateral dialogue. In this period, Thailand focuses on having good relations with neighbouring countries more than with the US. However, the United States continues to provide financial support in the form of loans and grants to Thailand to purchase weapons, organize military training, and join Cobra Gold military exercise in the region each year.

2) Thailand's foreign policy toward China.

At the early of Cold War, Thailand saw communist China as a threat to its security. The military government led by Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat had a policy against communism, Thai people who had relations with the People's Republic of China would be arrested and sent to jail. However, There were many changes in the global situation that made the Thai government want to establish more normal relations with China: Zhou Fangye, The Development of Sino-Thai Relations: Status, Impetus, and New Strategic Opportunities // https://so02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/easttu/article/download/50651/41905/, p.65 (Date of access 7 March, 2020)

(1) The conflict between the Soviet Union and China in dominating South East Asia, which was a time of power vacuum after the United States reduced its role in the region, the USSR became an important competitor to China in the region.

(2) China had become one of the great powers in Asia and has more influence in Southeast Asia. Thailand had begun to contact China informally in many ways, as Thailand did not want to be alone and China was interested in Thailand because Thailand was in China's strategy in the south of China to help hinder the influence of the Soviet Union. Therefore, China responds by using sports and diplomacy at the public level as an intermediate.

(3) The adjustment of relations between China and the United States because China and the US wanted to balance power with the Soviet Union, it caused the Thai government need to adjust its foreign policy with China by sending its Minister of Commerce and athletes to China during the Asian Table Tennis Union competition in 1972 or so-called “Ping Pong Diplomacy”. The visit to China this time, Mr. Prasit.Kanchanawat, Minister of Commerce, was assigned to observe and listen to China's opinions and attitudes towards Thailand whether China still supports the communist party of Thailand or not and wanted to see the attitude of China towards overseas Chinese in Thailand. All Chinese leaders expressed their desire to live together peacefully and willing to trade with Thailand with the condition that Thailand must end diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Kim, Shee Poonm, “The Politics of Thailand's Trade Relations with the People's Republic of China,” Asian Survey 21, no. 3 (1981): 316. After that, Thailand began to open relations with China slowly, there were many diplomatic encounters during the following years. The change of the Thai government from military to became civilian government made its foreign policy to become more friendly with neighboring countries in Indochina. The Thai government also began to support “One China” policy, which had an effect on establishing official relations with China. In the period before 1973, Thailand was under the rule of military leaders who gave importance to security and threats from communism. After the government was led by civilians, the role and power of the military were limited. The transition to a civil government made it had a broader international perspective than focusing on security alone, which implementing foreign policy to be more consistent with the change of global environment.

China wanted to establish diplomatic relations with Thailand because 1) China expected to build an alliance with Thailand and other ASEAN countries to resist the influence of the Soviet Union in Southeast Asia. 2) China hoped that establishing normal political relations with Thailand will continue to help build relations with other ASEAN countries. 3) China could expand more channels of trade. 4) China wants to reduce Taiwan's role in the world political arena.

Kukrit Pramoj, Thai Prime Minister at the time, did not view China as a threat and believed that building relations with China would benefit Thailand. He sent a delegation to negotiate with the Chinese side to agree on the details of establishing diplomatic relations on June 17, 1975.

The main points of the Chinese side were: 1) Thailand must certify the legitimacy of Chinese status as one state in accordance with the “One China” policy, which is represented by the Beijing government and considered Taiwan to be part of China. 2) China does not want to have a US military base in Thailand because China disagrees with having foreign troops in a country, China considered it to be a violation of sovereignty. However, China did not put much pressure on this issue with Thailand If Thai leaders thought that having a US military force will help protect against Communism in the Indochina sub-region.

The main issues of the Thai side were 1) Chinese citizens in Thailand must not have dual citizenship. 2) China must suspend supporting the Communist Party of Thailand and not interfere in Thailand's internal affairs. 3) Thailand expects China to use its influence on Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to have good relations with Thailand. 4) Thailand wants China to support the policy under the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN) announced in 1971. 5) Thailand wants to trade with China and wants China to help buy some agricultural products such as rice, green beans, raw sugar, rubber. Chulacheeb Chinwanno, 35 »Х ¤ЗТБКСБѕС№ём·Т§ЎТГ·Щµд·В - ЁХ№ ѕ.И. 2518 - 2553: НґХµ »СЁЁШєС№ Н№Т¤µ (35 years of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations 1975 - 2010: Past, Present, Future), (Bangkok: Openbook, 2553),p. 63 - 64

On the 1 July 1975, Khukrit Pramoj and Chinese Prime Minister Zhou En Lai made a joint statement establishing official diplomatic relations. Thailand is regarded as the 101st country that recognizes the People's Republic of China and is the 3rd country in ASEAN, the joint communiquй was considered as a symbol of the restoration of relations and reconciliation for mutual benefits. Since then, Thailand and China have been working together to solve problems in ASEAN.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, international environmental factors had changed significantly, such as the end of the Cold War, the fall of the Soviet Union and Communism in Eastern Europe as well as at the regional level, such as the easing of the Cambodian crisis, reduced cooperation between Thailand and China in the military and security area and changed it into regional and economic cooperation. Since the 1990s, the Thai economy had grown very high by giving importance to foreign economic policy and focusing on trade diplomacy or commercial diplomacy. Therefore, Thailand attaches great importance to the economy with China as well. In addition, the growth of the Chinese economy and economic policies such as the Go West Policy or the Going Out Strategy in the late 1990s made Thailand and China have more relations and economic cooperation in the multilateral frameworks, such as the Greater Mekong Subregion(GMS) and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Moreover, Thailand and China have also collaborated on financial matters through the ASEAN + 3 framework for the establishment of Asian financial institutions as well as developing into the East Asian Community (EAC), there is a mechanism to provide financial assistance to member countries called Chiang Mai Initiative Agreement (CMI). Ibid.

In the 21st century, after China became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Chinese economy has grown rapidly, China has stepped up to be the second-largest economy in the world and the world's No. 1 exporter. During this period, Thailand and China have greatly increased economic cooperation, the outstanding thing was the signing of the “ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) under the period of the Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on November 4, 2002, in Phnom Penh. Later in 2003, Thailand proposed and successfully signed an agreement to liberalize fruit and vegetable products (Early Harvest) with China. There is also financial cooperation, for example, in 2002, Thailand proposed the establishment of the Asia Bond Fund (ABF) and the proposal for the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) to promote wider national cooperation. The Joint Committee on Trade, Investment and Economic Co-operation (JC) has also been established, it is the main unit in overseeing trade, investment and other economic matters with China at the policy level. Department of Trade Negotiation, Economic Relations between The Kingdom of Thailand the People's Republic of China, http://www.thaifta.com/english/dtn/eng_cn.html (Date of access 7 March, 2020)

The relations between Thailand and China in terms of politics and security during this period are mainly in the form of multilateral cooperation such as during the leadership of President Jiang Zemin announced the cooperation with the United States and ASEAN in Counterterrorism in November 2002, Indonesia, after 9/11 incident, the signing of “Joint Statement on Drafting the Code of Conduct of the South China Sea Parties” in Phnom Penh in 2002. In 2003, Prime Minister Wen Jiabao signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) with ASEAN in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, which China is considered the first country outside of Southeast Asia to signed. Moreover, China and ASEAN have also cooperated in various areas, such as the problem of transnational criminals and the promotion to the ASEAN Security Community, etc.

ASEAN and China have expanded their economic growth with trade, service, and investment, and have made progress in developing economic relations under the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area, such as The signing of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement on Trade in Services, Set 1, which is a liberalization of convenience services during the ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, on January 14, 2007, opened a high level of free trade than opening the market in the WTO framework. On investment, China and ASEAN signed an investment agreement on August 15, 2009, during the 41st ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand. This agreement has been signed for investment protection, investment facilitation, fair treatment for both investors, such as increasing investment among each other, holding investment promotion activities, arranging investment Business partners, etc. The agreement will lead to trade and investment expansion between ASEAN member countries and China, as well as attracting countries outside the cooperation group. Ministry of Commerce, Department of Trade Negotiations, ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement.

(Bangkok: Department of Trade Negotiations, 2014),p. 44-45.

Thailand has also used the ASEAN-China forum to promote the potential of Thailand, with Thailand acting proactively, using geographic advantage as a regional center. It can be seen from the fact that Thailand has initiated an ASEAN-China Foreign Minister and a group travelling to explore the R3A road route from Chiang Rai Province in the northern part of Thailand through the Bokeo and Luang Nam Tha of Laos and the city of Jinghong (Chiang Rung) of China during the period 23 - 24 January 2011.

Source: China's impact on the Thai economy https://www.bangkokpost.com/print/1181192/

The explore of R3A road route aimed the development and potential in economic cooperation, trade and investment, and tourism of inter-regional links and pushing for a master plan on linkages between ASEAN, which was adopted by ASEAN leaders at the 17th ASEAN Summit in October 2010. Thailand seeks to publicize the importance of joint infrastructure development projects to facilitate trade and investment between each other. Masami Ishida, Border Economies in the Greater Mekong Sub-region, Palgrave Macmillan UK: 2013. It can be seen that Thailand wants China to help in infrastructure development projects such as high-speed railway system, which Thailand and China have negotiated many times throughout many years and made Thailand supports China's BRI project that would make Thailand become the centre on ASEAN.

In this regard, there are many socio-cultural relationships between these two countries, especially in the development of tourism sector, causing both the public and private sectors of Thailand to pay more attention and featured it as an important part of Thailand's International Economic Policy towards China. China has become more important to Thailand in tourism since 2012 due to the trend of “Lost in Thailand” Chinese movie that used Thailand as the main location for filming and is popular in China, which generated income up to 200 million USD and it is a factor encouraging Chinese tourists to visit in Thailand. As a result, in 2012, the number of Chinese tourists stood at 2,786,860, an increase of more than 1 million from the year 2011 at 1,721,247 people. The number of Chinese tourists coming to Thailand has steadily increased, in 2015, there were more than 7,934,791 Chinese tourists, increasing by 97.79 times from the year 2007 which had the number of Chinese tourists only coming to Thailand only 80,323 people. Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Department of Tourism, "Statistics of foreign tourists visiting Thailand 2015," http://tourism2.tourism.go.th/home/details/11/221/24710. (Date of access: march20, 2020) Therefore, tourism policies are increasingly important for Thailand's international economic policy towards China.

In conclusion, the US and China factors make the implementation of Thailand foreign policy in ASEAN to be mainly focusing on the need for the US to play a role of being a counterbalance with other superpowers in the ASEAN region, especially China as well as the US also concerns about China's rising in the region and has policy “Pivot to Asia”. US needs Thailand as a gateway to ASEAN dialogues and balance with China. Meanwhile, Thailand sees China as an important trading partner and has an important role in helping in the economic development of ASEAN.

Chapter 3 Thailand's Military Government: New Nuances

3.1 The Conceptual Changes

The coup in Thailand on May 22, 2014 by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) with General Prayut Chan-o-cha was the leader of the coup to overthrow the Yingluck government, was considered the 13th coup in Thailand's history. The coup took place after the political crisis that began in October 2013. Later, on August 21, 2014, the National Legislative Assembly replaced the House of Representatives, the Senate and the Parliament passed a resolution, selected General Prayut Chan-o-cha to be prime minister.

This military government, since the beginning of an administration, had focused mainly on internal security rather than international affairs. In the first phase of its policy, the military aimed at suppressing the divide, ending the use of force, weapons and violent protests, resolving the effects of the previous government and parliament that were in a condition that they could not perform their duties normally for more than 6 months. High ranking military officers are selected to work in many important government institutions, and the military became much more powerful institution in Thailand than before. Panarat Thepgumpanat, Patpicha Tanakasempipat,Three years after coup, junta is deeply embedded in Thai life, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-military/three-years-after-coup-junta-is-deeply-embedded-in-thai-life-idUSKCN18G0ZJ (Date of access: march20, 2020)

The foreign policy governed by the directive of General Prayut Chan-o-cha, the prime minister, whose foreign policy was announced to the National Legislative Assembly on Friday 12, September 2014 states that foreign policy will be implemented with a focus on maintaining national security and foreign affairs, reducing social inequality and creating opportunities to access government services, enhance economic potential of the country, promote the role of Thailand and use of opportunities in the ASEAN community, maintaining resource security and balance between conservation and sustainable use, as well as, promoting good governance and the prevention and suppression of corruption and misconduct in the government sector and improving laws and justice.

The coup d `йtat resulted in confidence in the level of international relations, with international reactions, including the criticism of the coup's actions led by the military seizing power, especially focusing on acquiring non-elected power. Western countries had also criticized the military government for the issue of deprivation of citizens' rights and freedom, resulting in many countries declaring reduce relations with Thailand. There had been a reduction in political activity, military activities, the supreme state organization, a statement calling for Thailand to return to democratic rule.

Several Western alliances with Thailand had adopted soft sanctions to punish Thailand, as well as wanting to put pressure on the junta to return power to the people and held an election quickly. Beginning with Thailand's most important partner country, the United States, which Foreign Minister John Carrey issued a statement expressing concern over the political situation and urged Thailand to establish democracy as soon as possible. On this occasion, the United States cancelled its cooperation with the Thai military and terminated US $ 4.7 million in aid and ended inviting Thailand to participate in the RIMPAC or The Rim of the Pacific Exercise, which is a joint naval exercise with the international community in the Asia - Pacific region. CHARLIE CAMPBELL, The U.S. Is Freezing the Thai Junta Out of Military Exercises, https://time.com/2926062/thai-junta-coup-cobra-gold-rimpac-military-exercise-cooperation/ (Date of access: March 20, 2020) Meanwhile, the European Union responded to the coup by ending all existing cooperation with Thailand, including negotiations on an agreement to establish a free trade area in the European Union - Thailand, which will affect the expansion of Thai business growth in Europe. FRANCE 24, EU suspends cooperation with Thailand over military coup, https://www.france24.com/en/20140623-eu-suspends-cooperation-with-thailand-over-military-coup (Date of access: March 21, 2020) Australia also issued similar measures and announced a ban on the travel of NCPO leaders to Australia. Morag MacKinnon, Australia cuts ties with Thailand over military coup, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-politics-australia/australia-cuts-ties-with-thailand-over-military-coup-idUSKBN0EB06Q20140531 (Date of access: March 21, 2020)

In contrast, the Chinese government immediately recognized the new Thai military government, it stated that China understands the situation in Thailand and does not want to intervene in Thailand's internal affair. The Chinese military also proceeded to invite the leader of the Thai military to visit China to negotiate about security. China Daily, the Chinese media, had also expressed its supportive views on Thailand situation, stating that western democracy has led Thailand to walk in the wrong direction. Patrick Jory, China is a big winner from Thailand's coup// https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2014/06/18/china-is-a-big-winner-from-thailands-coup/ (Date of access: March 21, 2020) This made during this period, Thailand and China relations have significantly improved, the junta had expressed appreciation for China's understanding, and Thais overwhelmingly view China as a valuable economic and security partner. Thailand does not oppose and condemn China on issues of international conflict and Thailand also helped to mediate the conflict between ASEAN and China in the South China Sea. Thailand also showed no interest in Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) but expressed the support for China Belt and Road initiative in ASEAN and want China to help Thailand to become a logistic hub of mainland ASEAN. The U.S.-Thai military ties had also suffered after the coup, but defence cooperation between Thailand and China has blossomed. As a result, Thailand has bought a lot of Chinese weapons such as tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and submarine from China, despise Thailand have been US ally for a long time. Thailand becomes the first customer who buys VT-4 tanks, which is the newest tank for export from China, China had made an advertisement about Thai military using their tank to promote and get more foreign customers.

Meanwhile, ASEAN member states did not criticize the action of the military government directly, such as the ministry of the foreign affair of Singapore, Indonesia and Philippine only showed its concern to Thailand's political situation and hoped that all parties in Thailand could solve its problems peacefully, same as other countries in ASEAN like Vietnam or Laos that have a different political system did not criticize the action of the Thai military. Kerstin Radtke, Thailand's Coup - Will ASEAN Answer? // https://thediplomat.com/2014/05/thailands-coup-will-asean-answer/ (Date of access: March 21, 2020)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand itself had issued 4-year strategic plan with a vision and mission that is consistent with government policies and the Prime Minister's orders, namely worshipping, protecting and upholding the monarchy and building the confidence of the country, strengthening relations with foreign countries, and promoting the role of Thailand in the international arena, diplomacy for the people, the resolution of transnational crime, reducing social overlap, maintaining resource security, preparing to enter the ASEAN community as well as increasing economic potential of the country. Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Kingdom of Thailand, Explanation about foreign policy criticism, ww.mfa.go.th/main/th/news3/6886/97798-ЄХйбЁ§аЎХиВЗЎСєўйНЗФЁТГім№вВєТВµиТ§»ГРа·И.html (Date of access: March 21, 2020)

The strategy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2015 - 2018:Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Kingdom of Thailand, MFA Strategy 2015-2018 http://www.thaiembassy.org/dakar/contents/files/thai-people-20151009-235039-089806.pdf (Date of access: March 21, 2020)

1. Promote good relations with neighbours and countries in Southeast Asia in order to maintain the international atmosphere, especially with neighbouring countries, to have peace and stability, Thailand and neighbouring countries need to receive sustainable economic and social development. Thailand must play an important role in the development and linkage of economic, social and cultural security with neighbouring countries and countries in the region. Thailand must be supported by neighbouring countries and countries in the region on an international forum.

2. Promote the creative role of Thailand in driving the ASEAN Community by making various sectors of Thailand to have knowledge, understanding and be able to take advantage of the development of the ASEAN Community and make the region of Thailand to have a connection and a constructive role in the ASEAN Community.

3. Strengthen relations with strategic countries, Thailand must be supported and accepted by the major powers as the centre of Southeast Asia, with Thailand having a proactive role, able to maintain benefits and have creative relationships with strategic countries. Thailand must maintain a balanced relationship with the superpowers, expanding relations with countries and countries with high potential and new powers, as well as increasing the use of various framework agreements that Thailand has with strategic countries.

4. Pushing the role of Thailand to be creative and responsible and be accepted by the world community, Thailand must proactively take part in defining international norms and reflect best practices or issues that Thailand prioritizes in the international arena, protecting Thai interests and resolving international problems such as international security, human rights, human trafficking, transnational crime, terrorism, drugs, migration, public health, disaster, environment and sustainable development.

5. Enhance competitiveness and economic cooperation, Thailand must make use of economic cooperation with foreign countries that is conducive to increasing Thailand's economic capability. The Thai private sector must have a network and knowledge that enhance competitiveness, expanding both existing and new markets. Thailand must benefit and be recognized by the public and private sectors abroad as an economic partner.

6. Enhance the image, confidence and good attitude towards Thailand. Thailand must make foreign countries aware of the value of Thailand as a good, reliable and capable country with sustainable potential and benefits. Thailand must proactively publicize to the world community to see Thailand's potential and strengths, as well as to understand of various situations in Thailand. Moreover, Thailand must make other countries to have familiarity, trust and good attitude towards Thailand, as well as make foreigners understand the Thai identity as a country that has the monarchy as the pillar of the nation.

7. Promote the participation of all sectors and improve the quality of service for people. Thai people must have an understanding of foreign affairs, have the ability to live and work abroad, get good service from the ministry of foreign affairs and various sectors are involved in foreign affairs.

8. Develop the capability of the organization, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand can act as a leading foreign organization and promote the integration mechanism between related agencies.