The core of Thailand’s strategy, outlined in the “5S” framework – Stability, Security, Sustainability, Solidarity, and Synergy – ostensibly seeks to bolster Thailand’s international standing and contribute meaningfully to global progress. However, recent indicators highlight a disconnect between stated goals and demonstrable action. A key element of this strategy is the generation of a “Youth Pact” – a formalized agreement between Thailand’s government and young people—to shape the nation’s SDG implementation, particularly concerning the upcoming Voluntary National Review (VNR) for the 2030 Agenda. The Youth Pact’s outputs are intended to inform Thailand’s VNR, a critical component of the UN’s SDG monitoring process. Yet, the relatively limited inclusion of youth voices in the broader policy-making process, as evidenced by the forum’s attendance and the finalization of the Youth Pact, suggests a persistent gap between rhetoric and reality.
Historically, Thailand’s foreign policy has been heavily influenced by its close ties to ASEAN and its strategic location within Southeast Asia. The region has served as a crucial buffer against external pressures, particularly from China and the United States. Thailand’s commitment to the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and its participation in initiatives like the East Asia Summit (EAS) demonstrate a desire for regional security and economic integration. However, the rise of China as a global power and the increasingly assertive stance of the United States have created a new set of complexities. Data from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) indicates that while trade with China has grown significantly over the past decade, investment remains disproportionately concentrated in other Asian nations, reflecting a cautious approach to fully embracing China’s economic influence. Moreover, the United States, despite continued diplomatic engagement through various security dialogues, has demonstrated an unwillingness to fully commit to addressing issues like climate change and democratic governance, areas that are central to the 2030 Agenda.
A 2024 study by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute detailed a concerning trend: a decrease in Thailand’s official aid contributions to development projects within the ASEAN framework, alongside a slowing rate of adoption of green technologies. This coincides with a growing emphasis on national security, driven by both internal concerns regarding border security and external pressures. The military’s continued influence within the government, as highlighted by various reports from human rights organizations, further complicates the pursuit of sustainable development goals that prioritize human rights and good governance. The forum’s focus on youth and sustainability underscores a recognized need, but the system’s structural limitations remain.
Recent developments in the region further complicate the situation. The ongoing instability in Myanmar, exacerbated by the military coup in 2021, has created a humanitarian crisis and presented Thailand with significant border security challenges. Simultaneously, Indonesia, under President Joko Widodo, has emerged as a more assertive regional leader, actively promoting its own development agenda and advocating for a multi-polar world order. Indonesia’s greater commitment to climate action and sustainable infrastructure development demonstrates a divergence from Thailand’s more cautious approach. According to a 2025 report from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Thailand’s willingness to openly challenge China’s growing influence on regional trade routes has strained relations within the ASEAN, revealing deep fissures within the alliance.
Looking ahead, within the next six months, Thailand is likely to continue prioritizing security concerns, potentially leading to increased military spending and a further consolidation of power within the security apparatus. The VNR process for the 2030 Agenda will undoubtedly be influenced by the Youth Pact, but the extent to which these voices can translate into meaningful policy change remains uncertain. Over the next five to ten years, Thailand’s trajectory will hinge on its ability to balance its strategic interests with its international obligations. A fundamental recalibration is necessary, prioritizing genuine collaboration within the ASEAN, investing in sustainable technologies, and strengthening democratic institutions to ensure Thailand’s long-term stability and prosperity. The country’s future within the evolving global order depends on its willingness to adapt and engage proactively – a challenge that demands a deeper understanding of the shifting sands of international relations.