Thai-Burmese Relations on the Podcast

The intricate relationship between Thailand and Myanmar, spanning from ancient conflicts to contemporary geopolitical tensions, is a subject that requires more than just a superficial understanding. On the Insight Myanmar Podcast, our diverse array of guests—ranging from diplomats and historians to human rights advocates and academics—bring a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to the table. These voices offer a deeper, nuanced perspective on the enduring ties between these two nations, illuminating the historical legacies, cultural exchanges, and political realities that continue to shape Thai-Myanmar relations today. Through their insights, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of how these complex dynamics play out on the ground, providing listeners with a rich, contextualized view of the forces at work in this critical regional relationship.

The relationship between Thailand and Myanmar is a tapestry woven with threads of history, culture, conflict, and diplomacy that stretches back centuries. From the days of ancient kingdoms to the contemporary realities shaped by the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, the ties between these two neighboring nations have been complex, characterized by both rivalry and cooperation. To understand the current dynamics between Thailand and Myanmar, it is essential to trace the evolution of their interactions, observing how past events echo in today’s geopolitical landscape.

The origins of the Thai-Myanmar relationship date back to the time of the early kingdoms. The Burmese Kingdom of Pagan and the Thai Kingdom of Sukhothai were among the first powerful states in the region, laying the groundwork for the enduring interaction between the two cultures. Over the centuries, the relationship between these neighboring kingdoms was marked by a series of conflicts and wars, most notably the Burmese-Siamese wars, which culminated in the destruction of Ayutthaya by the Burmese in 1767. This event left a deep scar in the Thai historical memory, casting a long shadow over the relationship between the two nations.

The legacy of these ancient conflicts continues to influence Thai attitudes towards Myanmar. Kenneth Wong, a Burmese language teacher and translator based in San Francisco, has pointed out how the historical enmity rooted in the sacking of Ayutthaya still resonates in the collective Thai consciousness. Despite this, Wong notes that younger generations of Thais are gradually shedding these historical grudges, becoming more open-minded and less influenced by the animosities of the past. This shift in attitude among younger Thais suggests a potential for a more harmonious future relationship, provided that both nations can navigate their shared history with sensitivity and understanding.

The colonial period then brought significant changes to the region, altering the dynamics between Thailand and Myanmar. While Myanmar (then Burma) fell under British colonial rule, Thailand (then Siam) managed to maintain its sovereignty through a series of diplomatic maneuvers that positioned it as a buffer state between the British and French empires. This divergence in their colonial experiences set Thailand and Myanmar on different paths of development, with Thailand beginning to modernize under the guidance of King Chulalongkorn, while Myanmar struggled with the disruptive effects of British colonialism.

The post-colonial era saw Thailand and Myanmar pursuing different approaches to nation-building. Thailand, under the influence of its monarchy and military, established itself as a key player in Southeast Asia with strong ties to the West. Myanmar, on the other hand, became increasingly isolated under a series of military regimes, beginning with General Ne Win’s coup in 1962. This period of military rule in Myanmar led to decades of authoritarianism, ethnic conflict, and economic stagnation, further deepening the divide between the two nations.

However, despite the political differences, Thailand and Myanmar’s relationship has always been marked by pragmatic cooperation, particularly in the economic sphere. Guillaume de Langre, who has extensively studied the economic ties between the two countries, explains that Thailand’s reliance on Myanmar for energy supplies, particularly natural gas, has been a significant factor in shaping its foreign policy towards its neighbor. This economic dependency has often led Thailand to adopt a more cautious and pragmatic approach to Myanmar, even when international pressure has mounted against the latter’s military regime.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Thailand adopted a policy of “constructive engagement” with Myanmar, driven by the desire to maintain stability along its border and capitalize on economic opportunities. This policy, however, has often been criticized for enabling the Myanmar military’s grip on power. Kasit Piromya, a former Thai diplomat and politician, has been particularly critical of Thailand’s approach to Myanmar, arguing that it has prioritized economic and political interests over human rights and democracy. Khun Kasit has called for a more principled stance from Thailand, advocating for stronger actions against the Myanmar military, particularly in the wake of the 2021 coup.

The military coup in Myanmar in February 2021, which ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, marked a significant turning point in Thai-Myanmar relations. The coup, which led to widespread protests and a brutal crackdown by the Myanmar military, also posed a dilemma for Thailand, which found itself torn between its longstanding ties with the Myanmar military and the growing international condemnation of the junta’s actions.

Thailand’s response to the coup has been notably cautious, reflecting its own complex domestic political situation. Kitti Prasirtsuk, a Thai academic and political analyst, has observed that Thailand’s reluctance to take a strong stand against the Myanmar military is driven by a desire to maintain regional stability and avoid any actions that could disrupt its own fragile political equilibrium. Professor Kitti also points out that both Thailand and Myanmar share certain similarities in their political systems, particularly the significant influence of the military in governance, which has led to a tacit understanding between the two countries despite their differences.

The humanitarian impact of the coup has also been profound, with thousands of Burmese fleeing to Thailand to escape the violence and repression in their home country. Phil Robertson, a representative from Human Rights Watch, has highlighted the severe exploitation and abuse faced by Burmese migrant workers in Thailand, which has only been exacerbated by the coup. He criticizes the Thai government for failing to protect these vulnerable populations and warns that the mistreatment of Burmese migrants could have long-term negative consequences for Thai-Myanmar relations, particularly in terms of human rights.

Civil society in Thailand has also played a crucial role in responding to the crisis in Myanmar. Shalini Sri Perumal, a human rights advocate, has emphasized the importance of cross-border solidarity and the need for Thai civil society to support the Burmese democracy movement. She argues that while governments may be constrained by diplomatic and economic considerations, civil society can act as a powerful force for change by advocating for human rights and providing support to those affected by the crisis.

The role of regional organizations, particularly ASEAN, has been a focal point in discussions about the international response to the Myanmar coup. Rosalia Sciortino, a social anthropologist and development worker, has criticized ASEAN’s handling of the crisis, describing the organization’s response as weak and ineffective. Sciortino advocates for greater international involvement in resolving the crisis, arguing that ASEAN’s principle of non-interference has hampered efforts to hold the Myanmar military accountable and protect the rights of the Burmese people.

In addition to the political and humanitarian dimensions, the cultural and historical ties between Thailand and Myanmar remain an important aspect of their relationship. Jane Ferguson, an anthropologist with expertise in Southeast Asian studies, has provided valuable insights into the connections between Shan communities in Myanmar and northern Thailand. She discusses how these cross-border communities navigate their identities, influenced by both Thai and Burmese cultures. Ferguson’s work highlights the enduring cultural links between the two nations, which continue to shape their interactions in various ways.

As Thailand and Myanmar move forward, the challenges they face in their relationship are significant. The historical tensions, economic dependencies, and political differences that have shaped their interactions over the centuries continue to play a role in the present day. The 2021 coup in Myanmar has brought these issues to the forefront, testing the resilience of the relationship and the ability of both nations to navigate a path forward.

As Thailand and Myanmar continue to grapple with their intertwined destinies, the need for a balanced approach that takes into account both the historical legacy and the contemporary realities becomes ever more apparent. Whether through diplomacy, economic cooperation, or civil society engagement, the path forward will require careful consideration of the many layers that define the Thai-Myanmar relationship, with the hope that these two nations can find a way to coexist peacefully and prosperously in the years to come.