ABSTRACT
In Thailand, nationalism is an effective and authoritative instrument for political leaders in achieving public support for their policies and actions and, therefore, a powerful device for consolidating national unity. In the process, nationalism as it is invoked identifies and vilifies enemies while nurturing pride in nation by promoting glorious narratives designed to instill a sense of shared experience and common destiny. Thai nationalism, or chatniyom, has occasionally served as a component of national policy, which can have an immense influence on Thailand’s domestic politics and international relations. This chapter examines how nationalism has been exploited to serve leaders’ interests. It discusses the rationale behind a contemporary surge of nationalism that is reflected in Thailand’s relations with its neighbours. Indeed, expedient nationalism has emerged as a determining factor in foreign policy whenever political leaders face a domestic legitimacy crisis. To divert people’s attention from such domestic issues, leaders fuel the flames of nationalism by invoking past grievances and identifying enemies on the nation’s frontiers. To demonstrate the nexus between nationalism and foreign relations, this chapter examines Thai relations with Cambodia, one of the country’s historic archrivals.
