Organizer: ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Type/Location: Virtual
Description:
Once known for its regional engagement and diplomatic innovation—through initiatives such as ACMECS, the Chiang Mai Initiative, and the Asian Cooperation Dialogue—Thailand today finds itself caught between ambition and inertia. In the context of intensifying U.S.–China rivalry, a growing mismatch has emerged between Thailand’s self-image as a middle power and its cautious and risk-averse foreign policy behavior, often described as “bamboo diplomacy.” At times, this has even led Thai policymakers to portray the country as a small power.
This seminar explores the evolution of Thailand’s middle-power aspiration and its recurring retreat into small-power conduct. It examines how domestic political instability, bureaucratic inertia and disintegration, and strategic uncertainty have shaped this oscillation. The discussion asks whether Thailand’s middle-power aspiration remains viable—and, if so, what form it should take. The seminar also considers the challenges Thailand faces in pursuing a coherent foreign policy vision under conditions of domestic volatility and rising nationalism.
About the Speakers:
Dr. Jittipat Poonkham is Associate Dean for Academic and International Affairs, Director of International Studies Program, and Associate Professor of International Relations at Thammasat University’s Faculty of Political Science. He is the author of A Genealogy of Bamboo Diplomacy: The Politics of Thai Détente with Russia and China (2022).
Dr. Fuadi Pitsuwan is a lecturer in International Relations at Thammasat University’s Faculty of Political Science. He also serves as President of the Surin Pitsuwan Foundation and a Visiting Fellow at Chiang Mai University’s School of Public Policy.
Dr. Pongkwan Sawasdipakdi a lecturer in International Relations and Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies at Thammasat University’s Faculty of Political Science. She is also a Visiting Fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. Her publication on BRI can be found in Asian Perspective.
Registration:
To attend the event virtually, please register here.