Book Launch and Discussion “Revisiting and Advancing Thailand's Foreign Policy towards the Indo-Pacific Strategy”

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Thailand, situated at the heart of Southeast Asia, is increasingly affected by the strategic manoeuvring of major global powers, including the United States, China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the European Union, particularly within the evolving Indo-Pacific strategic framework. These geopolitical dynamics are reflected in a range of diplomatic, economic, and political initiatives that operate at multiple levels and increasingly shape developments within Thailand’s regions and localities.

Traditionally, however, Thailand’s foreign policy formulation has been largely centred on national-level policymaking processes, led primarily by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and related central agencies. While such approaches are grounded in assessments of state-to-state relations and national interests, they often prioritise state-centric perspectives and give limited attention to local dimensions. Yet, the intensifying strategic competition among great powers in Southeast Asia has generated multi-dimensional and multi-level impacts that are experienced directly and tangibly by local communities. In many instances, the consequences of great power rivalry are felt most immediately in the everyday lives of people in affected areas, underscoring the need to incorporate subnational and local perspectives into foreign policy discourse.

Recognising this critical gap, a team of international relations scholars led by the Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration at Chiang Mai University has undertaken a comprehensive research study examining the intersection between global power competition and local governance dynamics across various regions of Thailand. Drawing on the team’s extensive regional expertise, the study moves beyond conventional policy-oriented analyses focused solely on national interests. Instead, it highlights the importance of integrating local governance considerations into broader understandings of international affairs.

Building upon this research and its publication, the scholar team, together with Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) Thailand Office and the International Studies Center (ISC), cordially invites you to attend a book launch event to learn and discuss the key findings and analytical insights from the authors of the book themselves. This activity aims at convening the target participants to engage with the research outcomes, encourage policy dialogue and knowledge exchange, and foster constructive discussion—including diverse perspectives and critical debate, contributing at large to a more inclusive and locally informed approach to Thailand’s foreign policy development in the long term.

The activity will be held in Thai language. Every participant will receive one physical copy of the book.