ON THAI AND
MILITARY TWO-FACE
POLICY
It is always problematic when there are two distinct factions in a country’s strategic diplomacy and Thailand suffers from
this kind of problem where the military and the government purport to represent a unitary position but in fact they have two
different perspectives, personalities and voices. This division can present particular challenges for not only their neighbors
in terms of interpreting their true intentions but also Western countries and the world when interpreting their actions in the
context of their words. With an aggressive military on one hand and a diplomatic civilian government on the other, it can be
difficult to know when one side or the other is actually in control and how to respond to one or the other expressions.
Peace is only possible when there is honesty, transparency and a commitment, and this becomes particularly more difficult
to achieve when there are two competing sides that must demonstrate these qualities to move forward.
– YOUK CHHANG
Director, Documentation Center of Cambodia
August 14, 2025
Source: Khun Srettha Thavisin, Media in Thailand
