The geopolitical implication from the rise of mainland Southeast Asia is that the China-Japan relationship will be the main determinant, as opposed to the maritime Southeast Asia where China-United States ties are critical. Mired in domestic tension and conflict indefinitely over the past decade, Thailand's saving grace for its economy to keep growing incrementally may well be mainland Southeast Asia with the Mekong running through it. Mainland Southeast Asia now provides several concentric circles of development and destinations for trade, investment and tourism. The North-South road passageway similarly connects Kunming in southern China to Bangkok and southern Thailand. Over the next two decades, on-the-ground development and integration in mainland Southeast Asia will increase steadily.

Source: Bangkok Post July 28, 2016 21:56 UTC