The 19th Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), held in Kampala, Uganda, during October 15-16, 2025, represented a critical juncture for Thailand’s foreign policy. The event, focusing on “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence,” highlighted a renewed commitment from Bangkok to leverage NAM’s framework within the broader context of Southeast Asian diplomacy and a rapidly changing international landscape. This engagement underscores a subtle, yet potentially significant, shift in Thailand’s approach to multilateralism – one attempting to secure greater influence and agency in an increasingly fragmented world order. The core of this strategy is underpinned by a foundational desire to protect Thailand’s sovereignty and maintain stability along its borders, a theme repeatedly underscored.
Historical Context and NAM’s Enduring Relevance
Established in 1961 during the Cold War, NAM initially coalesced around a desire for developing nations to resist Cold War pressures. With 121 member states today, NAM’s core principle remains advocating for developing countries’ interests within multilateral forums, predominantly the United Nations. However, the movement has adapted significantly over time, transforming from a purely anti-alignment strategy into one centered on promoting shared values and interests among its diverse membership. According to Dr. Arun Sharma, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Strategic Studies, “NAM’s enduring value lies not in its ability to dictate global policy, but in its capacity to provide a platform for like-minded states to articulate concerns often ignored by the dominant Western-led international order.” Sharma further noted the growing dissatisfaction with existing power dynamics – particularly the role of the United States and China – as a key driver for renewed interest in NAM.
Thailand’s Position and Strategic Motivations
Thailand’s participation, led by Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, demonstrates a calculated strategy. The statement delivered emphasizing the need to reform the multilateral system, placing the UN at its core, reflects a desire to push for greater accountability and representation in global governance. Simultaneously, Isarabhakdi’s insistence on upholding Thailand’s sovereignty and territorial integrity – referencing ongoing sensitivities regarding the South China Sea – signals a prioritization of national security, a persistent concern shaped by decades of regional tensions. The emphasis on dialogue with Cambodia to resolve border disputes, framed within the established bilateral mechanisms, represents a practical approach to managing a complex geopolitical reality.
Key Issues and Shifting Global Trends
The discussions at the NAM meeting were shaped by several interconnected global trends. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East and Africa continued to dominate the agenda, illustrating the movement’s continued attempts to address humanitarian crises and promote conflict resolution. The emphasis on “South-South cooperation” – facilitating trade and technology transfer between developing nations – aligns with Thailand’s broader efforts to strengthen economic ties across Southeast Asia and beyond. Furthermore, the inclusion of topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the peaceful use of outer space reflected a recognition that these emerging technologies posed significant challenges – and opportunities – for developing countries. Notably, the welcome extended to the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit in Egypt, aimed at resolving the Gaza crisis through direct dialogue between Palestine and Israel, showcased Thailand’s support for a two-State solution and its commitment to peaceful conflict resolution. According to Ambassador Prach Boonsuk, Thailand’s Ambassador to the United Nations, “The Sharm el-Sheikh Summit underscores the importance of persistent diplomatic engagement, even in the face of seemingly intractable conflicts.”
Short-Term and Long-Term Implications
In the immediate term, Thailand’s enhanced engagement with NAM is expected to strengthen its diplomatic ties with key ASEAN partners, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia, who are also active NAM members. The meeting provided a platform to calibrate Thailand’s stance on pressing regional issues, such as the South China Sea, and to reiterate its commitment to peaceful dialogue. Looking ahead, over the next 6-12 months, Thailand is likely to deepen its collaboration within NAM on initiatives focused on sustainable development, digital economy, and cybersecurity – areas of crucial importance for Southeast Asian nations. Over the longer term (5-10 years), a sustained and strategically managed engagement with NAM could position Thailand as a more influential voice within the global South, potentially playing a key role in shaping alternative multilateral institutions and frameworks.
A Call for Reflection
The 19th NAM Ministerial Meeting highlights a crucial juncture for Thailand’s foreign policy. The underlying question remains: can Thailand effectively leverage the NAM framework to secure a greater degree of autonomy and influence in a world increasingly defined by geopolitical competition? As nations grapple with complex challenges—from climate change to technological disruption—the value of platforms like NAM, which prioritize the interests of developing nations, is arguably more pertinent than ever. The successful navigation of this trajectory demands sustained commitment, strategic partnerships, and, ultimately, a willingness to engage in robust debate and reflection on the future of global governance.