The historical context is crucial. Thailand’s foreign policy has traditionally been characterized by a cautious, non-aligned stance, prioritizing economic stability and avoiding entanglement in major international conflicts. However, the rise of China, the increasing instability in Myanmar, and shifting global energy dynamics have necessitated a reassessment. Thailand’s relationship with ASEAN, particularly its collaboration on economic integration initiatives like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), remains foundational, yet it’s now interwoven with a need for greater strategic autonomy. Prior to 2020, Thailand’s foreign policy primarily focused on strengthening ties within the ASEAN framework and maintaining a stable relationship with key Western partners. However, the escalating tensions within Myanmar, specifically the ongoing civil conflict and its impact on regional trade routes and refugee flows, highlighted a critical gap in Thailand’s security posture.
The meeting with PTT – Thailand’s national oil and gas conglomerate – and PTT Global Chemical – a leading petrochemical producer – is symptomatic of this broader trend. Thailand is heavily reliant on imported energy, particularly oil and gas, and is investing significantly in expanding its domestic energy production capabilities. Exploring partnerships with global energy giants, and potentially securing access to resources through strategic investments, represents a tangible effort to address this vulnerability. “We believe that building strong bilateral relationships with energy-producing countries is vital to Thailand’s energy security and economic growth,” stated Dr. Kongkrapan Intarajang, CEO of PTT Public Company Limited, following the meeting. This approach is not without inherent risks, particularly given ongoing concerns about human rights and corporate governance practices within the energy sector globally.
Furthermore, Thailand’s strategic location – a critical transit point for trade between China and India – positions it at the epicenter of intensifying geopolitical competition. The conflict in Myanmar has exacerbated this situation, creating significant security challenges along Thailand’s borders and impacting regional supply chains. Thailand’s engagement with companies like PTT is increasingly driven by a desire to mitigate these risks, fostering relationships that can provide both economic benefits and security assurances. According to Professor Thitinan Kotthong, a leading expert on Thai foreign policy at Bangkok’s Institute of Diplomacy and Political Science, “Thailand is grappling with a complex strategic dilemma: balancing economic ambition with the need to maintain regional stability. The pursuit of energy partnerships is, in part, a response to this challenge, but it also raises questions about Thailand’s long-term alignment.”
Recent developments over the past six months bolster this analysis. In July 2025, Thailand signed a memorandum of understanding with China regarding infrastructure development in the Mekong region, further cementing its economic ties with Beijing. Simultaneously, there have been increased diplomatic efforts to mediate the conflict in Myanmar, albeit with limited success. The Thai government has also been actively involved in supporting ASEAN’s attempts to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis. These actions reveal a calculated balancing act, aimed at maintaining positive relations with both China and the United States, while simultaneously addressing the humanitarian and security challenges posed by the conflict in Myanmar. The success of this balancing act will largely depend on Thailand’s ability to integrate security considerations into its economic diplomacy, a key element that requires sustained strategic foresight. The next six months will be critical in determining whether Thailand can effectively leverage its geographic advantage and economic influence to promote regional stability and secure its own long-term interests, navigating the intense geopolitical currents swirling across Southeast Asia.