ABSTRACT
This chapter offers an update on contemporary relations between Thailand and Japan, covering the period from the financial crisis in the 1990s to the present day, when Thailand is still ruled by a military regime. It argues that the pattern of bilateral relations has been consistent over past decades. Essentially, Japan's foreign policy towards Thailand has two key characteristics. First, it has been implemented largely in response to Thai domestic changes in order to maintain Japan's interests in the country. Second, the level of Japan's diplomatic engagement with Thailand fluctuates with the impact of external factors. The chapter illustrates the consistency in Japan's foreign policy of being reactive to, and accommodating of, domestic developments while proactively responding to compelling international challenges. The Thailand-Plus-One business model has been an effective risk management strategy for Japanese businesses at a time of persistent political conflict that has undoubtedly undermined the business operating environment.
