ABSTRACT
As Thailand entered another difficult period characterised by the ideological conflict of the Cold War, its leaders resurrected the “bending with the prevailing wind” strategy to cope with changes in the country’s foreign affairs. Most studies of Thailand’s diplomacy and statecraft seem to agree on one finding: the foreign policy flexibility and the ability to adjust to the altering balance of power. The key understanding of Thai diplomatic pragmatism is that Thai leaders came to terms with their country’s capabilities and acted eagerly in response to the reality, rather than to idealist goals or uninhibited ambitions. Thailand has been quietly sliding into China’s warm, embracing arms. The democratic decline is no longer concentrated in one region or one continent. As long evident, Thai diplomacy has been highly malleable depending on the changing global landscape. With an emphasis on flexibility, and a remarkable history of continuity, Thai foreign policy – like the bamboo – faces new challenges with solid roots”.
