To do so, it is crucial that the deepening of Thai-Japanese security cooperation is not aimed at a third party. After the Thai military seized power in May 2014, Japan initially criticised Thailand, then changed its approach, enabling bilateral relations to proceed smoothly. Their security cooperation, collectively or bilaterally, has always been in concert with the US. With Thailand and China having made huge progress on their defence ties, Bangkok now finds it necessary to respond to Japan's new security overture. In 1999, Thailand unsuccessfully tried to purchase second-hand US F-5 jetfighters from Japan, a transfer which required Washington's permission.Given the heighten tensions between China and Japan over maritime disputes in South China Sea, Thailand is no longer shying away from forging closer defence ties with Japan.

Source: The Nation Bangkok July 24, 2016 18:00 UTC