The immediate impetus for this shift can be traced back to the shifting dynamics within Southeast Asia. Thailand, increasingly wary of a burgeoning Chinese influence in the region and seeking to diversify its partnerships, views Pakistan as a key interlocutor within the broader Islamic world. Simultaneously, Pakistan, facing ongoing security challenges along its western border and seeking to broaden its economic horizons, recognizes Thailand as a stable, prosperous nation with substantial investment capacity and a respected seat within ASEAN. The ongoing conflict in Myanmar has undoubtedly exacerbated these strategic calculations, creating a vacuum of influence and highlighting the need for Pakistan to solidify relationships with countries that can provide alternative avenues for engagement and support.
Historically, Thailand and Pakistan’s relationship has been largely defined by shared faith – Islam – and infrequent diplomatic exchanges. However, recent trends demonstrate a move toward a more proactive and structured engagement. Prior to 2020, the relationship was largely characterized by cultural exchanges and limited security cooperation. The most notable prior development was Thailand’s support for Pakistan’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2017, representing a crucial step in broadening Pakistan’s geopolitical reach. More recently, Thailand has actively participated in the 2021 SCO Shanghai Defence Exhibition held in Beijing, signalling a growing willingness to engage in security-related dialogues.
Key stakeholders in this evolving relationship include the Thai government, spearheaded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, as well as the Pakistani government, led by the Ambassador and Additional Foreign Secretary of Pakistan (Asia Pacific). Crucially, the involvement of the Pakistani military and intelligence agencies adds another layer of complexity to the dynamic. As noted by Dr. Aisha Khan, a specialist in South Asian security at the Islamabad Institute of Conflict and Diplomacy, “The depth of engagement suggests a realization on both sides that simply maintaining diplomatic channels is insufficient. There’s a desire for tangible mechanisms to address shared security concerns, particularly in the realm of counter-terrorism and border security.” Furthermore, the exploration of defense cooperation – including potential joint military exercises and technology transfer – remains a central focus.
The agenda of the November 2025 consultations—expanding beyond traditional areas—demonstrates a shrewdly calculated approach. The explicit agreement to enhance bilateral mechanisms, pursue trade fairs, and expand direct flights underscores a commitment to boosting economic connectivity. The discussions surrounding Buddhist tourism, a nascent but potentially lucrative sector, indicate a recognition of opportunities beyond the purely strategic. The prioritization of cultural exchanges, especially those focused on Gandhara Buddhism, underscores a desire to cultivate people-to-people relations and foster greater understanding. As Professor David Chen, a regional expert at the National Defense University, stated, “The inclusion of cultural diplomacy is a deliberate attempt to build a broader, more resilient foundation for the relationship – one less vulnerable to short-term geopolitical fluctuations.”
However, the alignment is not without potential friction points. Pakistan’s ongoing security challenges, particularly along its western border, continue to require significant international support, a support that Thailand, while willing to provide, may not be entirely positioned to fully deliver. Furthermore, the expansion of defense cooperation raises concerns among some Western powers, who view the burgeoning relationship as a potential challenge to existing security architectures in the Indo-Pacific. The continued involvement of China, a key partner of both nations, remains a significant, and potentially complicating, factor.
Looking ahead, over the next six months, we can anticipate continued efforts to solidify the bilateral mechanisms and explore opportunities for joint projects in areas such as renewable energy and digital technology. Over the longer term – five to ten years – the Thailand-Pakistan alignment could represent a durable counterweight to regional power dynamics. It could become a key pillar of a broader South Asian strategic community, fostering greater stability and cooperation within the region. However, sustained success hinges on the ability of both nations to manage the inherent complexities of the relationship, including geopolitical pressures, security concerns, and the influence of external actors. The true measure of this realignment will be demonstrated through its continued effectiveness in promoting regional stability and securing mutual interests. The willingness of both nations to openly and constructively engage in dialogue – a hallmark of the November 2025 consultations – will ultimately determine whether this strategic alignment delivers on its considerable potential.