TTLV: Thailand-US Relations from 2001 to 2020

1. Student's full name: Tran Hong Linh 2. Gender: Male
3. Date of birth: March 21, 1997 4. Place of birth: Mong Cai, Quang Ninh
5. Decision No. 2705/2020/QD-XHNV dated December 24, 2020, of the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, recognizing the student.
6. Changes in the training process: None.
7. Thesis Title: Thailand-US Relations from 2001 to 2020
8. Major: International Relations; Code: 8310601.01
9. Scientific supervisor: Dr. Ngo Tuan Thang, Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
10. Summary of the thesis results:
This thesis focuses on analyzing the dynamics, positive aspects, and limitations of the relationship between Thailand and the United States in several areas, including politics and diplomacy, defense and security, and economics, from 2001 to 2020. It examines both endogenous and exogenous factors influencing the bilateral relationship between the two countries. The study clarifies the characteristics and changes in the Thailand-US relationship and its impact on both Thailand and the US, as well as on Southeast Asian countries and China.
The 21st century has witnessed the rise and strong development of countries such as China, the Russian Federation, and Japan, making the global political landscape more multipolar. Relations between countries and territories are increasingly developing, leading to intertwined and complex interests. International relations in this new context are characterized by both cooperation and struggle for coexistence and development. In this context, the Thailand-US relationship has also undergone significant changes and become more balanced than in previous periods. The Thailand-US relationship between 2001 and 2020 experienced many ups and downs, developing well in the early period under former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, declining sharply after the two coups in 2006 and 2014, and strengthening again from 2017 following the visit of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to the US and the efforts of both sides. Over the past two decades, Thailand has gradually become more assertive and independent from the US in its political decisions. However, with its "bamboo diplomacy" policy, Thailand still tries to balance its efforts to secure massive support from the two largest powers in the world, the US and China.
The Thailand-US relationship is heavily influenced by several factors, including the global political landscape, the influence of China, and has been strained by two military coups. This relationship has had many positive impacts on both countries and the region by promoting bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms in Southeast Asia, contributing to containing and balancing the political power with other major powers. For Vietnam, in addition to shared interests with ASEAN countries, the Thailand-US relationship is a case study from which to draw policy lessons and develop appropriate strategies for its own country. Beyond its positive aspects, the Thailand-US relationship also presents a potential risk of intense competition between major powers. This would significantly impact the policies and relations among ASEAN countries, which are mostly small and medium-sized nations, always subject to varying degrees of influence from the policies of larger powers.
11. Practical applications: Based on the analyses and assessments, recommendations can be made for Vietnam's foreign policy towards the US and Thailand, as well as for use in relations with other major powers.
12. Further research directions: To expand this research, the thesis recommends a closer examination of the Thailand-US-China relationship in the 21st century using "strategic triangle" theories to better understand the movement of the triangle's sides (bilateral relationships), thereby clarifying the motivations and making predictions about future changes.
13. Published works related to the thesis:
“US-Thailand Political Relations under President Barack Obama”, Proceedings of the 2021 Scientific Conference for Young Faculty and Graduate Students (University of Social Sciences and Humanities), Vietnam National University, Hanoi Publishing House.

 

1. Full name: Tran Hong Linh 2. Sex: Male
3. Date of birth: March 21, 1997 4. Place of birth: Quang Ninh
5. Admission decision number: 2705/2020/QD-XHNV Dated: December 24, 2020
6. Changes in academic process: None.
7. Official thesis title: Thailand – United States relations from 2001 to 2020
8. Major: International Relations 9. Code: 8310601.01
10. Supervisors: Dr. Ngo Tuan Thang, University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi
11. Summary of the findings of the thesis:
The thesis analyzes the movement, positive aspects, and limitations in the relations between Thailand and the United States in multiple fields, including politics - diplomacy, defense - security, and economy, from 2001 to 2020 taking into account endogenous and exogenous factors influencing the bilateral relations between the two countries. It clarifies the characteristics and changes in Thailand-United States relations, as well as their impact on actors in international associations, including Thailand, the United States, Southeast Asian countries, and China.
The 21st century witnessed the rise and robust development of nations such as China, the Russian Federation, Japan, etc. This results in a more multipolar global political landscape. The relations between countries and territories are deepening, causing intertwinement and complications in countries' interests. International relations in the new context is characterized by cooperation and struggle for coexistence and development. In that perspective, the relations between Thailand and the United States have morphed significantly and have become more balanced than in previous periods. Thailand- United States relations experienced many flunctuations and changes between the period of 2001-2020. Initially, it flourished well under former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, but after two coups in 2006 and 2014, the relations of the two countries have declined dramatically. After the visit to the United States by Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in 2017, the relations of the two countries were once again consolidated, due to the efforts of both sides. Over the past two decades, Thailand has become more assertive and independent from the United States in political decisions. However, with its "bamboo diplomacy" policy, Thailand continues to pursue balance in order to benefit from the enormous support of the world's two most influential powers, the United States and China.
Thailand-United States relations are heavily influenced by several factors, including the international political situation, the Chinese factor, and the rifts caused by two military coups. Promoting bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms in Southeast Asia has positively impacted the two countries and the region, thereby helping to restrain and create a political balance with other large countries. In addition to the common interests with ASEAN countries, the Thailand-United States relations serves model case for Vietnam to study and draw policy lessons from in order to develop an appropriate direction for the country. On the other hand, the Thailand-United States relations have the potential to spark fierce rivalry between great powers. Thus, significantly impact the policies and relations between ASEAN countries, which are small and medium-sized, and are always affected to some degree by the policies of large countries.
12. Practical applicability, if any: Based on the analysis and evaluation of the thesis, we can draw implications and recommendations for Vietnam's foreign policy with the US, Thailand, and other countries.
13. Further research directions, if any: To further develop this research, the thesis suggests examining the Thai-American-Chinese relations in pairs in the 21st century in light of the “strategic triangle” theories. Further investigate the movement of the sides of the triangle (bilateral relationships) can provide insights on motives and predict future fluctuations.
14. Thesis-related publications:
“United States - Thailand political relations under President Barack Obama”, Proceedings of the scientific conference of young cadres and graduate students in 2021 (University of Social Sciences and Humanities), Publisher: Vietnam National University, Hanoi.