Thailand’s policy assumed an “aid for development” approach, unlike “aid for trade” approach by OECD countries. That means Thailand did not focus merely on financial assistance but rather on technical assistance, based on Thai expertise and experience in collaboration with other advanced countries. These technical assistance programs would allow the bridge of ASEAN divide and ultimately consolidate Thailand’s sphere of influence in mainland Southeast Asia. TICA’s deputy director concludes, “Thailand’s overseas assistance also builds a pro-Thai perception amongst new generation leaders especially in the CLMV countries in the long run, similar to what the American used to do in East Asia during the Cold War”.6 In this connection, Thailand offered export credit of US$75 million to Myanmar, and US$50 million to Cambodia and Laos (Shinawatra, 2003). Following this attempt, it can be seen that Thailand provided overseas assistance accounting for 0.6% of gross national income in 2003, and ranged at around 0.1–2.0% from 2005 onwards (World Bank, 2013). These figures are interesting if compared with the U.S. figures of 0.11% in 2001 and 0.17% in 2004 (UNDP, 2003, p. 228; 2006, p. 343).