ABSTRACT
In the 1950s, China and Thailand were in a state of antagonism stemming from the Cold War after the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC). The influence of extraterritorial powers led to the confrontation between the two countries based on actual state interests. In this case, the impact of the United States was crucial. However, the 1970s saw dramatic changes in international and regional situations, the rise of the Third World, and the development of the Non-Aligned Movement. Based on their interests, China and Thailand established formal diplomatic relations in response to the changing international and regional situation and the adjustment of their diplomatic strategies, which allowed the two countries to shift rapidly from antagonism to cooperation and exchange in many fields, including economy and culture. From the perspective of Realism in International Relations, it can be seen that conformity among small states, the influence of geopolitical forces, the impact of extraterritorial powers, and the world economic and political situation are the main factors influencing the relations between China and Thailand. Nevertheless, the fundamental causes lie in the actual gains and losses of the national interests of both countries.
