Page 36 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL7

liberal democracy and capitalism run deep in the Thai psyche. Some Thais might accept a coup as a short-term solution, but civil society – the bastion of political life of Thailand – has matured over the past 40 years, and it has become impossible to imagine the country subdued under an authoritarian regime for long.“Thailand will return to electoral democracy because it is too late for Thailand to turn away from democratic society,” Assoc Prof Thitinan said.It is also better not to judge Thailand by its alliances, he said. “China is the name of the game in the region. We will stay close to China even if the country elects Thaksin Shinawatra or Abhisit Vejjajiva.”Panitan Wattanayagorn, professor of political science at Chulalongkorn University and current adviser to General Prawit Wongsuwan, deputyprime minister and defence minister, likewise describes the current diplomatic policy as “strategic rebalancing” rather than indicative of a long-term trend.“Sadly or happily, it depends how you look at it. Some might look at domestic affairs and say it is not good. But others will see the current scenario as a blessing in disguise. It allows the military to readjust strategic relations with a superpower,” said Prof Panitan.This strategic rebalancing provides a chance for Thailand to strengthen diplomatic relations with new friends and cope with the rise of China, the emergence of India and the return of Russia, all trying to establish new connections in Asia.Prof Panitan urges critics to remain calm. The US, he said, will remain an ally in many ways, and the US-Thai relationship goes beyond that of tradeThis strategic rebalancing provides a chance for Thailand to strengthen diplomatic relations with new friends and cope with the rise of China,the emergence of India and the return of Russia, all trying to establish new connections in Asia34 Elite+