Thailand Held Hostage by Ultranationalism: A Call for Realism in Foreign Policy

China's Tank Delivery to Cambodia Sparks Debate in Bangkok

Last week the delivery of Chinese T-59D main battle tanks to Cambodia, part of a procurement exceeding 100 units, drew sharp reactions from ultranationalist voices in Bangkok. Military-beat reporter Wassana Nanuam, known for her coverage of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, posted on social media that Thai security personnel questioned the longstanding phrase that Thais and Chinese are like siblings. She referenced an earlier AI-generated video she shared depicting an attack on Phnom Penh by the Thai Air Force.

Thai Security Agencies Question Old Slogans

Thai security agencies in Bangkok continue to reference the motto that Thailand and China are brothers even as China fulfills arms orders for Cambodia. Every nation pursues its own national interests, and China seeks to sell more tanks and weapons to buyers across Southeast Asia. If Thailand and Cambodia were to fight, arms-exporting countries would benefit from increased purchases, requiring Thai taxpayers to spend more on additional weapons.

China Balances Regional Competition with the United States

The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok clarified that Cambodia placed the tank order before last year's clashes with Thailand. China must compete against the United States in the region and therefore keeps Cambodia engaged through arms sales. Thailand can also purchase additional tanks and submarines from China if it chooses, though this would mean spending more taxpayers' money rather than focusing on economic priorities.

United States Limits Advanced Fighter Jet Sales to Thailand

The United States has not approved the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Thailand despite the country having the oldest diplomatic ties with Washington among Asian nations. Then Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha sought these jets during his tenure, but concerns that technology could reach Chinese hands through networks in Thailand prevented the transfer. Thailand should avoid placing unrealistic expectations on either China or the United States in arms matters.

Border Closure Affects Japanese Supply Chains in the Region

The prolonged closure of checkpoints along the Thailand-Cambodia border continues to disrupt cross-border supply chains for Japanese manufacturers operating in both countries. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow visited Japan recently and praised bilateral ties, yet the Thai government has not reopened the checkpoints despite Japan's requests. Shoppers at Uniqlo stores in Bangkok have seen clothing items made in Cambodia, illustrating how the closure reaches everyday supply lines for Japanese firms.

Diplomatic Handshakes and Ultranationalist Pressures

Prime Minister Anutin publicly defended shaking hands with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet during a leaders' meeting in Vietnam last week, noting that standard protocol requires greeting fellow heads of state. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow spoke with this writer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok and described ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions. The Anutin government faces constraints from ultranationalist sentiment that makes renormalisation of ties with Cambodia more difficult.

Realism Required to Protect Thai Interests

Thailand functions as a small country, or at best an aspiring middle power, in the international arena and benefits from avoiding unnecessary conflicts with neighbours such as Cambodia. Neighbouring nations that focus on economic development spend less on arms while Thailand and Cambodia allocate increasing funds to weapons. The Thai saying about riding the back of a tiger warns that once ultranationalist positions are adopted, stepping away carries risks, leaving Thai society less able to adapt and defend its interests in ASEAN forums.