Thai foreign policy 1932-1946

Abstract

This thesis is an attempt to apply certain features of foreign policy analysis to various empirical evidences, in order to explain what, why and how certain foreign policies were pursued by Siam (Thailand) during the period 1932-1946. Brecher's operational and psychological environments in the decision-making model are described to show what other Powers thought of an issue and what Siamese leaders perceived it to be. How various variables (internal and external) contributed to each foreign policy strategy and execution in response to each salient issue is the central theme of this thesis. After the problem of recognition and intervention had passed following the 1932 Revolution, the contest for the control of foreign policy was between the military faction-led by Pibul, and the liberal civilians-led by Pridi. When Pibul finally assumed his dictatorship role, speculative and aggressive foreign policies were pursued, ending with his oral commitment to Japan in the Indo-China Conflict which led to the alliance with Japan during the War. Luckily, Pridi led a Resistance Movement to salvage something out of the situation and finally restored the sovereign status of the country. It can be seen that the righteous foreign policies of neutrality, flexibility and playing one Power against another are always beneficial to a weak nation like Siam.

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