In this period, Thailand has diversified its sources of political and economic benefits. Never having to put all its diplomatic eggs in one basket has effectively meant not being held foreign policy hostage, as was evident during the cold war. For Beijing, befriending a middle-sized Thailand could help cement its status as the rising Asian Great Power. Thailand has gone the extra distance to please china because of clear advantages that would ensue. First, china clarifies its position of not interfering in Thai domestic affairs. For instance, if refused to criticize the heavy-handed policy of Thaksin vis-à-vis the Muslism separatists in the south of Thailand. The question of thaksin’s legitimacy at home was purposefully downplayed by china. Non-interference also served the Chinese regime. Thaksin chose not to condemn china for alleged violations of human rights against its minorities on several occasions. Thai prime minister samak sundaravej (January-September 2008) insisted on adhering to the non-interference principle as he remained absolutely silent over china’s brutal crackdown on Tibetan pro-democracy protesters before the Olympic games in August 2008.