Thailand will spend much of the year preparing to take over as chairman of Asean from Singapore in 2019. "Thailand will continue to seek legitimacy for the military government and acceptance from the global superpowers," said Prof Surachart. Others say Thailand lacks a clear foreign policy direction and that relations with China remain on a shaky footing. But Prof Prapat said Thailand should initiate proactive strategies to develop relations with these countries. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' current strategic plan includes promoting good relations with countries in Southeast Asia and seeing Thailand play a more constructive roles in moving forward the Asean Community.

Source: Bangkok Post January 01, 2018 20:48 UTC