Acting on its Act West Policy: Thailand’s quest for security and shared prosperity in the Bay
“Thailand’s closeness to the Indian Ocean and its connections to the Bay of Bengal on the eastern Andaman Sea, a natural resource-rich region, has traditionally influenced its maritime approach. However, with geopolitical tensions emerging in the Bay, security concerns are also becoming important in shaping this approach, particularly with regard to its Act West Policy (AWP), which aims to capitalise on the opportunities brought about by the geopolitical changes in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean Region.”
“Thailand’s efforts in multilateral initiatives are complemented by projects that strengthen its strategic position in the Bay of Bengal. Bangkok and Dhaka seek to establish a direct shipping line between Ranong Port in Thailand and Chattogram Port in Bangladesh. Simultaneously, Thailand’s participation in the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway—an Indian-led infrastructure project between the three littoral nations—illustrates Thailand’s enthusiasm for the region. The port interlinkage and Trilateral highway benefit bilateral and trilateral relations and provide a strategic advantage for Bangkok’s engagement with Bhutan, Nepal, and India’s northeastern States.”
Read the full report from the Observer Research Foundation.