THAILAND’S JOURNEY WITH CHINA’S BELT AND ROAD: A NINE-YEAR ODYSSEY UNDER GENERAL PRAYUT’S LEADERSHIP (2014-2023)

Abstract

This article examines Thailand’s participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s government between 2014 and 2023. The study underscores the aftermath of the 2014 coup, which saw a surge in the Sino-Thai relationship. Notably, the Prayut government hastily announced a commitment with Beijing for the ambitious 608-kilometer Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed rail project, a key component of the BRI rail network connecting Kunming through Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Substantial progress was anticipated for the high-speed rail project once the first phase of construction connecting Bangkok to Nong Khai gained approval through an executive decree in 2017. However, as of May 2023, only 3.5 kilometres of the proposed 608-kilometer rail track had been completed, raising questions about the government’s commitment. Meanwhile, BRI-related projects have expanded, including the development of high-speed rail connections between Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports, as well as investments in the Eastern Economic Corridor. The study delves into the complexities of the Prayut government’s foreign policy decisions and their implementation. It examines how international and domestic factors influenced the formulation and subsequent execution of the BRI projects in Thailand. This research offers valuable insights into the intricate interplay between international negotiations and domestic politics, shedding light on the dynamics of the Sino-Thai BRI partnership.