Assoc Prof Panitan Wattanayagorn, a security and foreign affairs scholar, said the move represents a reconfiguration of US politics in relation to world politics, a transition towards a new form and a restructuring of the global order. Mr Panitan said the proposal could be considered a form of neo-colonialism or great-power dominance that bypasses established rules. This could serve as camouflage for US intentions, he added, noting that overt coercion is harder to pursue in today's world. He warned that the Trump administration has tended to prioritise US national interests over the existing world order and international law, including the UN Charter. However, he cautioned that Thailand must balance its position between major powers, particularly as China may advance its own peace initiatives.

Source: Bangkok Post January 20, 2026 23:35 UTC