Under the Radar, Above the Norm: The Evolving Dimensions of Thai-Japanese Cooperation

Introduction Thai-Japanese relations may not be regarded as having the same geopolitical import as others in the Indo-Pacific—such as perhaps those of the United States (US) and China—but they have evolved over the years and today can be described as nuanced and strategic. Some 130 years since the formalisation of diplomatic ties in 1887, Thailand counts its bilateral relationship with Japan as one of its oldest and most enduring, second only to its relationship with the US. [1] As both nations navigate the complex geopolitical currents of the Indo-Pacific, their cooperative endeavours in the economic as well as defence and security domains assume heightened significance. This brief analyses the factors driving Bangkok and Tokyo’s collaboration in the security and defence realms, and explores the extent of their cooperation in other areas like investments and energy. Beginning in the 1950s, Japan has strategically refocused its relations with Southeast Asia, prioritising economic diplomacy to leverage these countries’ natural resources for its industries while tapping into their emerging markets. The backdrop to this shift was the Cold War, with the US seeking Southeast Asia's support for Japan's economic recovery as a bulwark against communist expansion in the region. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) would later recognise Japan as a key dialogue partner, establishing formal relations in 1978; political ties deepened over time through regular meetings, and evolving to include security cooperation by the 1990s. [2]