Bangkok: Academics have described Thailand's recent diplomatic maneuvers as a "pincer" strategy, effectively squeezing Cambodia and complicating its movements in ongoing territorial disputes. The strategy is seen as enhancing Thailand's strategic advantage both on land and at sea.
According to Thai News Agency, Associate Professor Dr. Dulyapak Precharatch, President of the Regional Studies Association and a lecturer in Southeast Asian Studies at Thammasat University, has analyzed the escalating tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. He notes that Thailand holds a more favorable position in terms of land borders, maritime areas, and diplomatic relations with key regional countries.
Associate Professor Dr. Dulyapak explained that recent Thai delegations to France and Vietnam reflect proactive efforts to strengthen diplomatic positions in areas historically significant to Cambodia. France's colonial ties and influence in Indochina, along with Vietnam's historical political sway over Cambodia, make these upgraded relations a strategic move for Thailand.
By enhancing Thai-French and Thai-Vietnamese relations to the strategic partnership level, Cambodia finds itself challenged in relying on France or Vietnam for support, particularly on border, heritage, security, and economic issues. Thailand's approach effectively positions Cambodia between the more strategically significant countries of Thailand and Vietnam, while undermining France's role as a Cambodian ally.
Dr. Dulyapak also analyzed Cambodia's dual strategy in the territorial dispute, highlighting its attempts to re-engage Thailand in Joint Border Committee negotiations and its use of the UNCLOS framework to pressure Thailand over maritime boundaries. Thailand's response has been a two-tiered approach: highlighting Cambodia's bypassing of bilateral negotiations and engaging in proper procedures to counter Cambodia's actions.
Thailand's ability to link land and sea border issues remains a key strength, enabling it to delay land negotiations while controlling border openings, impacting Cambodia economically. Despite Cambodia's efforts to escalate the dispute within the UNCLOS framework, Thailand maintains legal grounds for opposition, given historical precedents and perceived overclaims by Cambodia.
In the broader context of land and maritime disputes, economic issues, and diplomatic relations, Thailand is perceived to have the upper hand. Cambodia's urgency to reopen borders and engage in negotiations underscores Thailand's bargaining power through time and trust conditions.
Associate Professor Dr. Dulyapak concludes that Cambodia's tactics involve various tools, including military, diplomatic, and international law strategies, while Thailand actively pursues diplomacy and strategic alliances, maintaining its advantageous position. He emphasized that while maritime disputes may see fluctuations, the overall landscape suggests Thailand's stronger position relative to Cambodia.