in ASEAN as reflected in the Bali Concord II and the ASEAN Charter, and the condemnation
of unconstitutional power usurpation in the Vientiane Action Program.
Moving away from Thailand’s domestic politics, ASEAN members have entertained different
worldviews and adopted different strategies to suit their national interests. It can be argued
that, unlike in the Cold War, during which a common enemy could easily be identified,
ASEAN has been unable to produce a coherent standpoint in a variety of critical issues confronting
the organization. Some perceive China to be their biggest threat, while others may
not share the same perception. Some maintain their suspicion of the U.S. presence in the
region, while others regard Washington as an indispensable force that guarantees regional
security. Is Thailand ready to rely on ASEAN to counterbalance the United States and China?
It seems unlikely. In fact, the existing crisis has compelled Thailand to become more
inward-looking. Successive post-coup governments have been preoccupied with safeguarding
their own political survival. As a consequence, their confidence in ASEAN mechanisms
has fallen to its lowest point. The Abhisit government rebuffed ASEAN’s offer to mediate in
its conflict with Cambodia at the peak of the territorial dispute over the Preah Vihear Temple,
and insisted on managing the issue on a bilateral basis. The Yingluck government was
too preoccupied with safeguarding its own position from political storms at home and thus
neglected foreign policy and ASEAN. It might be true that U.S. reengagement with ASEAN
and its new membership of the East Asia Summit (EAS) form part of the organization’s
strategy to dilute Chinese influence in the region. And in theory, Thailand should be able to
take advantage of this same strategy, making use of ASEAN to keep the United States and
China at arm’s length. Unfortunately, Thailand has failed to exhibit leadership in ASEAN.
Similarly, ASEAN is incapable of representing itself as an alternative, well-integrated regional
block that could stand shoulder to shoulder with the United States and China.