Study On The Policy Against Burma In Thaksin Ruling Era

In2001, after Thaksin became the Prime Minister of Thailand, he paid special attention onthe relations with Burma. Compared with the Chuan Leekpai administration, there is tremendouschange in Thaksin administration in the deployment of the policy towards Burma, from theFlexible Engagement policy into the Economy led diplomatic policy. In the political area, tosolve the political issue about the democracy and human rights in Burma, the developing theroadmap plan has been actively implemented and the Bangkok meeting has been held underThaksin administration; In the economic area, to promote the development of economy andtrade between Thailand and Burma, Thaksin has been trying his best to merge Burma intoregional economic cooperation organization; In the military security area, the Thai militaryinitiatively improves the relationships with Burma military by strengthening militarycommunication and cooperation with Burma military. In all policies taken by Thaksinadministration against Burma, the economic relationships between these two countries have beenimproved greatly.There are various factors in influencing Thaksin’s policies against Burma. FromThaksin’s personality, the benefit from his family-ruled telecom business, the nation benefit aswell as the balance in the political power among the domestic parties, these factors has playeddifferent role in influencing Thaksin’s policies against Burma. This thesis argues that, thebalance in the political power among the domestic parties is the main factor in formulation of thediplomatic policy against Burma, which is considered as the main factor in Thaksin’s policymaking against Burma. For Thaksin’s personality, it is the minor factor in the execution of thepolicy making. To win the support from Thai people, the Thaksin administration declares thatthe policy against Burma is to defend the interest of Thailand, covering the real reasons behindthe Thaksin’s policy making that is designed to protect his family interest, the base of theThaksin’s policy making.