The international game of politics presents itself as an obstacle and an advantage to the military government. Using its intimate relations with neighbouring countries — such as those in ASEAN and China — to counter sanctions from Western governments, the junta has successfully diversified its foreign policy options. In this case, the provision of legitimacy to the Thai junta by Thailand’s neighbours may help prolong the life of the military rule regime. But this will not contribute positively to the Thai political situation in the long run.