Publication

This policy brief discusses developments in the US-Thailand relationship, with a particular focus on the adoption of a new joint vision statement for the Thai-US Defense Alliance. This US "re-balance" towards the Asia-Pacific, however, has been met with some skepticism from the Thai media, which expressed concerns that this new US-Thai security agreement could spoil Thailand's strong ties with China. While the renewed alliance reflects Washington's priority in reviving governmental security ties, the United States must therefore not forget to also secure the support of a Thai public opinion that is increasingly attracted by Chinese soft power, the author argues.