Sonyuke_Songpaisan
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I don't think it matters what they think now. The important thing is that Thailand's economy is heavily dependent on China, or will be soon.
Thailand can only play the balancing game if the US/PRC dependence and interests in Thailand is greater than Thailand's dependence and interests in the US/PRC (or if Thailand can convince the US and PRC to believe so). But now, and in the future, Thailand's dependency on the US (for politics and protection) and PRC (for Thai economy) is greater than the US/PRC 's dependency on Thailand. Thailand is in no position to play the balancing game.
And China can force Thailand to pick one side if Thailand's interests in PRC is greater than their interests in the US. I think this will happen when Thailand becomes more and more dependent on PRC for their economy.
Also, the US don't like it when there "friends" don't choose side and stay neutral. Remember when George W BUsh said "If you are not with us, then it means you are against us."
you are an indian not chinese, because you like to use the word-will
What was the context when the US-Thai alliance was made? I believe it was when the USSR was expanding their influence in SEA and Thailand was in real danger of getting dominated by the soviet-backed Vietnam. I don't think this is the situation anymore.
The PRC have no plan to invade Thailand and install a pupet government there so who is the US protecting the Thai from? On the other hand, Thailand is heavily dependent on PRC for their economy so I think we have a new context, or soon will be, where Thailand's interests in the PRC is greater than their interests in the US.
But of course, Thailand will choose US now because the US military is still stronger than the PLA. But what happen in the future when the US no longer have enough military power to subdue China? Thailand will not jump on the US band wagon.
when wenjiabao and Obama visited Thai last year, obviously, Obama is more welcome.