No Longer Under the American Wing? The Thai Monarchy in Global Affairs

During the Cold War period, the Thai monarchy, under the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (1946–2016), was recognised for its role in stabilising Thailand, which in turn was crucial to stem the tide of communism in Southeast Asia. Bhumibol’s active diplomacy was a part of the political alliance between the Thai monarchy and the United States. Together, they closely cooperated to confront a variety of threats against the monarchy, from political opponents at home to communists across the borders. For the United States, allying with the Thai monarchy fulfilled its security mission in Southeast Asia. But the end of the Cold War diminished this political alliance. The arrival of King Vajiralongkorn in 2016 and his seeming disengagement in diplomacy suggest that international support for the throne has become redundant. Vajiralongkorn, set free from Cold War obligations, has been increasingly detached from foreign affairs because the main focus of the throne has been solely on internal security. Vajiralongkorn’s position reaffirms that political alliance is today irrelevant because it no longer serves the palace’s domestic purposes.