THAILAND

Concept and Approach Towards the Security of the Asia-Pacific

The changing political, economic and security environment, influenced by globalization and increased interdependence, has posed a number of challenges that the countries of the Asia-Pacific region must deal with, individually as well as collectively. In particular, the economic crisis and all its profound political, economic and social impacts on regional countries have underscored some important trends that are developing in the region:

First, stability of countries in this region has become intertwined and that lasting peace and stability require security of individual countries and of the region as a whole.

Second, security is comprehensive in the sense that today it encompasses not only political, military , economic and social aspects, but has also come to embrace the people aspect- or human security -as well.

Third, it is all the more important to meet the challenge of developing strong economic and social fundamentals, ensuring sustainable economic and social development, and placing greater emphasis on the well-being of the people and human resources development, which will bring benefit to individual countries and regional security over the long run.

At the same time, security has also become more complex in terms of issues facing the region. While security threats in the traditional sense such as existing border disputes, overlapping territorial claims and inter-state tension remain to be resolved, new kind of security issues have also emerged in the form of transnational issues, that affect regional peace and stability. Some important issues are drugs trafficking, trafficking of human persons, especially women and children, illegal migration, piracy, money laundering and international terrorism. The increased importance attached to these issues reflect the fact that the concept of security is now no longer confined to the security of individual nation states but also embraces the notion of human security .

Fourth, there is increasing need for regional countries to take cognizance of and meet challenges of the globalization, which make individual countries more vulnerable to external changes, either at regional or global level. Globalization has also raised the questions regarding issues of good governance, democracy, human rights. With more diverse issues affecting national interest, the conduct of interstate relations has become more complex.

Given the changing nature of security, greater interdependence and the complexity of issues faced, it is imperative not only for the countries concerned to work together not only to promote individual national strength, but also to enhance multilateral cooperative approach in augmenting regional peace and stability. Hence it is also 'important to strengthen multilateral security dialogue and cooperation in the ASEAN Regi0nal Forum (ARF) to serve as one of the mechanisms to help the Asia- Pacific 'region collectively to respond to challenges to security and to enhance the environment conducive to peace and cooperation.

The overall security environment of the Asia- Pacific region has been largely stable. There has been some positive developments, including the general trend of economic recovery , overall improvements in the major powers' relations, expansion of ASEAN's membership to embrace all 10 Southeast Asian countries, on-going reconstruction process of East Timor, improving atmosphere on the Korean Peninsula, and reinvigoration of multilateral cooperation processes in the region. Nonetheless, the region continues to feel the economic and social impacts of the economic and financial crisis, continued tension in South Asia, as well as contentious atmosphere across the two sides of the Taiwan Straits.

Neighbouring Countries / Border Areas

The promotion of friendly relations and cooperation with neighbouring countries -Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia -has been a main pillar of the Thai foreign policy. Sharing common borders with these countries, Thailand regards peace, stability and economic prosperity in thes.fl; countries as being in Thailand's primary interest.

The relations between Thailand and all its four neighbouring countries have continuously improved with cooperation being promoted at the bilateral as well as regional levels, particularly within ASEAN. There has been frequent exchange of visits at all levels and people-to-people contacts are being promoted through expanded border trade as well as cultural and educational cooperation, which have been greatly facilitated by the development of transportation links, particularly roads and rails. Various bilateral mechanisms have been established to oversee cooperation and deal with problems in all aspects. The Joint Commission (JC) has been established to oversee the overall cooperation, while the General Border Committee (GBC) and Regional Border Committee (RBC) have been set up to deal specifically with border-related problems.

One major source of problems that arise from time-to-time between Thailand and its neighbouring countries is unclear boundaries. Hence, while efforts at demarcation of land and sea houndaries are on-going, various CBMs have been undertaken to maintain the general atmosphere of peace and stability, and to the extent possible, turn areas of potential conflict into areas of cooperation. Examples include the establishment of the Joint Development Area (JDA) between Thailand and Malaysia on the basis of international law and the joint patrol operations in the overlapping areas between Thailand and Malaysia and along the maritime boundary line between Thailand and Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand.

Transborder issues such as drug trafficking, illegal migration, terrorism have underscored the need for closer cooperation between Thailand and its neighbouring countries, particularly along their common borders. Despite successful eradication of opium plantation, the problem of drug trafficking remains a source of grave concern. In this regard, the authorities have conducted extensive national campaigns with cooperation and support from other countries, including the United States. In addition, close cooperative efforts have been promoted and undertaken between and among Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam as well as China to cope with these problems, including cooperation under the rubric of the United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP).

With increased regional interdependence, it is increasingly recognized that domestic events have ramifications on other neighbouring countries and the region as a whole, be they the problem of drugs, refugees and displaced persons, illegal migration and smuggling, among others. It is therefore necessary that countries in the region take a more proactive approach dealing with these issues, taking into account both their internal and external dimensions.

Of increased significance are issues related to cross-border smuggling and illegal workers who, facing economic difficulties in their countries, come to search for employment and other opportunities in Thailand. In this regard, besides close cooperation in curbing these problems, Thailand attaches high importance to the promotion of economic development in its neighbouring countries particularly along the common border areas.

ASEAN has served as a pillar of peace and stability in Southeast Asia and a mechanism to enhance cooperation and sense of community among Southeast Asian countries. It has adopted in 1997 the ASEAN Vision 2020 which reflects the aspiration of realizing ASEAN as a concert of Southeast Asian nations, outward-looking, living in peace, stability and prosperity, bonded together in partnership in dynamic development and in a community of caring societies.

Today, the Association has reached another stage of cooperation with the admission of Cambodia in April 1999, thereby embracing all 10 nations of the region in a united community. With expanded membership and closer integration, ASEAN has to deal with the challenges of greater interdependence and diversity and disparities among its members, with a view to strengthening partnership, cohesion and relevancy of ASEAN vis-a-vis the changing times. At the same time, while Southeast Asia is on the path of recovery from the economic and financial crisis, which inflicted the region in 1997, the crisis has left over a number of economic and social problems which continue to require efforts in undertaking political and economic reforms. The crisis has also triggered greater demands and expectation of the people in terms of political participation, civil liberties, individual rights, better livelihood and equitable distribution of income and wealth. Thus, there emerges a need for Southeast Asian countries, individually and collectively, to ensure sustainable economic and social development and manage changes within each country and in the region that come with globalization.

The events in East Timor during 1998-1999 has, in retrospect, underscored the need for ASEAN to assess its capability as a group to respond effectively to regional problems -whether on its own or in cooperation with the United Nations, other international organizations and countries. In this regard, there is a need for ASEAN member countries to enhance dialogue and interaction in all spheres of their relations and develop its capability to cope with common regional challenges with flexibility and mutual accommodation as well as to lessen disparities that exist between old and new members. Moreover, it is also important that in strengthening ASEAN as a community of nations, ASEAN member countries further better intra-ASEAN relations and cooperation and be able to resolve differences and problems between them in a friendly manner .

On its part, Thailand has placed high importance on ways and means to promote ASEAN's national and regional resilience, relevance and capability in meeting economic, social and political challenges, including among others:

• Promotion of economic development of the Mekong Sub-region, which comprises the new members of ASEAN, under the so-called Mekong Agenda, herein human resources development remains the key in ensuring that the people of ASEAN countries have skills and exposure to the trends and changes that have resulted from globalization;

• Promotion of open and caring societies to enhance benefit of ASEAN cooperation to the people and greater participation of the people in ASEAN cooperation, and strengthening of social safety nets to reduce social impact of the present and prevent any future economic crises;

• Promotion of enhanced dialogue and interaction on all issues that affecting member countries' stability, as well as the idea of establishing an ASEAN Troika to facilitate ASEAN's timely and effective responses to issues affecting regional peace and stability.

Thailand has attached much importance to the developments in Indonesia, the most populous country of Southeast Asia and prominent member of ASEAN. After the major political changes in 1998, situation in Indonesia has generally improved and the new Indonesian government has shown resolve and determination to tackle the challenges facing Indonesia. In this regard, the formation of the democratically-elected government under President Abdurrahman Wahid and the eventual resolution of the East Timor issue have contributed to an enhanced climate of stability. It is therefore important that the international community continue rendering support to the efforts of the present Government of the Republic of Indonesia in pursing political, economic and social reforms and promoting national unity and territorial integrity of the country .

Events in East Timor have posed challenges to Southeast Asia, particularly the question of how to help facilitate a smooth transition of the new nation to full independence. On its part, Thailand has been supporting the role of the United Nations in resolving the crisis, including the operation of the International Force in East Timor (INTERFET), under which Thailand sent 1,581 troops and served as deputy commander, and later the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNT AET), which subsequently took over the administration of East Timor in December 1999. Over 900 Thai troops took part in UNT AET' s force. Thailand also provides, through both governmental and non- governmental channels, humanitarian assistance to East Timor and expresses its readiness to provide other kinds of assistance for the reconstruction process, particularly in the areas of agriculture and public health.

Maintaining a peaceful environment, safety of sea lines of communications and freedom of navigation, particularly in the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca are important to regional peace, stability and prosperity. As a non-claimant in the South China Sea, Thailand seeks, where appropriate, to playa role in contributing to a climate of stability in the area. While the pending territorial disputes in the South China Sea should be resolved by the claimants themselves through peaceful means and in accordance with international law , it is important that all parties concerned exercise restraint and pursue constructive dialogue in bilateral and multilateral, governmental and non-governmental fora. On-going efforts between ASEAN and China to develop a Regional Code of Conduct on the South China Sea have underscored the spirit of cooperation that has characterized the relations between ASEAN and China and shall serve as important confidence- building measures and thereby contribute to the eventual resolution of disputes in the South China Sea as a whole. Thailand therefore welcomes the progress made in these efforts.

Furthermore, in view of ensuring maritime safety as well as freedom of navigation in accordance with international law, the piracy remains a cause of concern. In this regard, there is a need for regional countries, particularly coastal states, to take action and cooperate with one another to deal with this problem.

While not directly involved, Thailand follows with interest the developments in Northeast Asia, particularly the situation on the Korean Peninsula and across the Taiwan Strait. Regarding the Korean Peninsula, while remaining an area of concern due to the potential for instability and for proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, tension has lessened as all parties concerned, including the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, adopt a more accommodating approach towards one another. Greater economic and people-to-people contacts between the DPRK and the Republic of Korea have also helped improve the overall atmosphere on the Peninsula. Meanwhile, the positive progress of the DPRK-US Talks in Berlin in September 1999, which has contributed to the continued easing of tension and provided further impetus for improving relations between DPRK and such countries as the United States, Japan, Italy, Canada and Australia. It is thus important that countries in the region lend support for such dialogue, particularly that between the DPRK and the ROK.

On its part, Thailand supports any effort to promote peace and stability in the region, including the "Sunshine Policy" of the ROK and encourages greater engagement of North Korea in regional processes, including the ARF .Thailand also hopes that all parties concerned will exert even greater efforts in maintaining the momentum of such positive developments and thereby paving the way towards a lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia as a whole.

Adhering to the One China Policy, Thailand regards the China- Taiwan relations as China's internal affairs. Nonetheless, the cross-strait tension has had significant bearing upon the state of the major powers' relations, particular those between the United States and China, and hence upon peace and stability of the region as a whole. It is therefore hoped that China and Taiwan seek to peacefully work together to bring stability to the relations across both sides of the Taiwan Strait and towards the dialogue on the question of reunification in order to safeguard peace and stability of the region.

The existing tension between India and Pakistan, particularly their dispute over Kashmir, as well as political changes that have taken place in Pakistan have had a bearing upon the security situation in South Asia. It is hoped that both India and Pakistan to resume their bilateral dialogue as soon as possible, in accordance with their commitments expressed in the Lahore Declaration of February 1999, and try to resolve their differences by peaceful means so as to enhance an environment that is conducive to peace and development of regional cooperation in South Asia, including the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Asia-Pacific. Both countries, now in possession of nuclear weapons capabilities, are urged to abide by the United Nations Security Council Resolution No.1172 of 6 June 1998, which demands, in particular, that both countries refrain from further nuclear tests, exercise restraints, resume dialogue on all outstanding issues, immediately stop nuclear development programmes, become parties to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), as well as .participate in negotiations at the Conference on Disarmament on a treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosive devices.

In addition, armed struggles of various groups in South Asia have also had implications for Thailand and Southeast Asia, particularly in terms of illicit arms trafficking and other transnational issues. Thailand therefore supports efforts to resolve the disputes by peaceful means with a view to reducing threats to the security of the Asia-Pacific region as a whole.

Thailand continues to regard the roles of and relations among the major powers (the United States, China, Japan, Russia and the European Union) as a very important factor in the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region. Indeed, the US military presence in the Asia-Pacific region remains a stabilizing factor, and bilateral security ties and alliances continue to underpin the security structure of the region. China is a rising power, while Japan and Russia remain key players in the region. In addition, the major powers' participation and support are pivotal to efforts to promote the concept of multilateral security based on dialogue and cooperation, particularly through the ARF .

However, developments in the relations among the major powers, particularly between the United States and China, are sources of concern given possible spillover effects on overall regional environment and cooperation. It is important that the major powers try to manage their overall relations bearing in mind their strategic importance to peace and stability of the region.

The development of the Theater Missile Defence (TMD) system between the United States and Japan, while defensive in nature, could be perceived by others as being targeted at another country and thereby lead to misapprehension. It could also add further to the risk of arms build-up and increase tension, particularly in view of the continued acquisition and development of weapons and missile systems in the region. It is therefore imperative for the countries concerned to be sensitized to these concerns and seek to promote transparency among regional countries.

Globalization has brought with it both positive and negative effects. The main challenge is how each country can adapt to the challenges of globalization so as to benefit from this on-going trend. The down side of globalization has already manifested itself in the form of the economic and financial crisis of 1997. The crisis and profound impacts it has wrought have continued to be felt by several countries in the region and also made some of them more cautious in the pursuit of economic liberalization. On the domestic front, the impact of the crisis, or globalization, has highlighted the importance of economic, social and human security which each country will have to increasingly address. Internationally, globalization has also resulted in the widening gap between developed and developing countries. Development, or rather lack of development, and poverty , not only in the Asia- Pacific region but also in other parts of the world, could be main sources of instability.

In this context, in spite of increasingly evident trends towards economic recovery , it remains important that efforts in undertaking reforms and addressing economic and social ills continue with a view to enabling individual countries to gain from the benefits of globalization. It is also important that regional and international cooperation be further intensified to address problems related to development so as to assist the countries and peoples being marginalized by globalization.

Globalization and greater interdependence have also resulted in the intensification of transnational problems, including transnational organized crime. Problems such as drug trafficking, illegal migration, including trafficking in persons, especially women and children, and piracy are non-traditional issues that have increased bearing on peace and stability of individual countries and the region as a whole, as well as on the relations among countries concerned. Meanwhile, cross- border impacts of problems relating to the environment, such as haze, have been become more broadly felt and should therefore be addressed with a cooperative spirit. Economic and computer crime will also become more and more important as telecommunication technology advances. Thailand therefore attaches much importance to the promotion of cooperation to deal with transnational problems. Financial and technical assistance to those countries needing support is also crucial for building their capacities to combat transnational problems. Cooperation on extradition between countries should also be promoted. Within ASEAN, there has been greater awareness of the need to combat transnational organized crime. ASEAN adopted the ASEAN Declaration on Transnational Crime in 1997 and Plan of Action on the matter in 1999. It also agreed to establish an ASEAN Center on Transnational Crime (ACTC).

As its contribution to generating awareness and impetus for cooperation among regional countries, Thailand organized in Bangkok, in cooperation with relevant international organizations, the International Symposium on Migration on 21-23 April 1999 and the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Seminar on Building Capacities for Fighting Transnational Organized Crime on 20-21 March 2000.

The ARF has contributed to enabling more open and substantive discussions among regional countries on key security issues of the Asia-Pacific region and enhancing confidence. However, the Asia-Pacific region has not yet developed a regional mechanism !0 deal with specific potential and existing disputes. In this regard, the development of the ARF's role in preventive diplomacy will help move the ARF process forward as one of the pillar for regional peace and stability. At the same time, the countries in Southeast Asia, ASEAN is working on drafting the Rules of Procedure for the High Council under the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) with the intention of eventually operationalizing the High Council as a mechanism for pacific dispute settlement in Southeast Asia.

It is also to be noted that wider regional cooperation is gaining momentum in East Asia under the so-called framework ofASEAN+3, which include he ten member countries of ASEAN, China, Japan and South Korea. Emerging from efforts to deal with the economic crisis, the ASEAN+ 3 correspond to the increased interdependence among East Asian countries and will contribute to the overall atmosphere of cooperation.

Since the economic crisis broke out in 1997, the Thai economy has shown stronger signs of recovery in 1999. This is attributed to the series of mutually-reinforcing reform measures to deal with the economic turmoil that have been implemented since the beginning of the crisis. These measures include an initial fiscal austerity programme in conjunction with reforms of the financial sector, which was then followed by a series of economic stimulus packages combined with a long-term restructuring plan to enhance the competitiveness of the country's manufacturing sector and industrial base. Most noteworthy is the fact that the Thai Government has taken steps to enact 11 economic reform bills directed at 4 main sectors, namely, 1) Restructuring Corporate Debt; 2) Corporatization Transformation; 3) Promotion of Foreign Investment; and 4) Social Safety Nets. The above policy measures were implemented with the aim at enhancing confidence, strengthening macro-economic stability and providing the impetus for economic growth.

While continued efforts still need to be made, particularly in reducing the percentage of Non Performing Loans {NPLs), various economic indicators have confirmed that the recovery has gained momentum during the latter half of 1999. It is anticipated that Thailand's economic recovery will continue in 2000 with an economic growth of 4.4 percent, higher than the 4.1 percent growth recorded in 1999. Factors contributing to further recovery in 2000 include increase in exports, private investment, and private consumption expenditures. The inflation rate is expected to be manageable at around 2.0 percent. However, the economic recovery is still at the early stage, supported largely by government expenditures and external demand. Therefore, it remains imperative to speed up structural reform and stimulating private investment to build strong foundations for sustainable economic growth.

The economic crisis has also led to the introduction and implementation of a number of political reform measures aimed at furthering the process of liberalization and democratization. Thailand's new constitution provides for greater transparency and accountability as well as enhancing the participation of the people in all aspects of the political process. One of the important development is that the Thai people have now enjoyed the right to elect the members of the Senate in the general elections. The first Senate elections were held in March 2000 and the second by-election in April 2000. Unlike the Lower House, the Senate previously comprised only appointed members. The establishment of the Constitutional Courts, the Election Commission, the Office of Prevention and Suppression on Money Laundering (OPSML) and the beefed-up of the National Counter Corruption Commission will help to ensure the proper check and balances within Thailand's democratic system. Another significant progress has been the establishment of the National Commission 'for Human Rights which reflects Thailand's aspiration to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights and to enhance awareness and understanding on the part of the Thai public on the issue of human rights. At the same time, Thailand is committed to implementing administrative reform aimed at streamlining the bureaucracy and ensuring greater efficiency and accountability.

Equally important, Thailand's prosperity will also depend on promoting sustainable development aimed at protecting the environment, lessening economic disparity and enlarging opportunity for a better life for all segments of the population. To this end, strengthening and reinforcing country's human and social infrastructure have become one of Thailand's .'.national agenda. In 1999, the Thai Government enacted National Education Act as to ensure greater equitable opportunity in the education system and to enhance the standard of education in Thailand in terms of professional skills and research and development. A Labour Protection Act was also introduced in the same year to protect and improve the welfare of the nation's work force.

Defence Policy and the Roles of the Armed Forces

Thailand has issued two defence white papers -.in 1994 and 1996 respectively -copies of which have been circulated to all ARF participants. It is currently ill the process of reviewing the existing white papers and working on a new revision.

Thailand's defence policy has been formed in accordance with the umbrella National Security Policy (1998-2001) issued by the National Security Council, which addresses all aspects of national security, including internal political security, economic and social security, scientific and technological development, energy and the environment and foreign affairs. The main thrust of the defence- related policy attaches importance to the development of efficient, well-structured and modernized national defence forces with combat readiness; the role of the Armed Forces in national development; the promotion of defence cooperation with other countries, particularly neighbouring countries; and support for the United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Based upon the above, and given the changing regional and international environment, whereby threats from war are now unlikely, yet challenges to national security have become more diverse, the Royal Thai Armed Forces have adapted their roles. In addition to serving as the major pillar in the defence of national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Armed Forces, during peace-time, have to engage in operations other than wars, comprising both domestic and international aspects.

The Armed Forces serve as supporting agencies, closely coordinating with lead agencies as provided by law, in the combat against transnational crime. Cross-border drug trafficking, illegal migration, terrorism, illicit trafficking of arms are problems which have become more serious concern to national security .The Armed Forces provided assistance to agencies concerned in disaster relief operations. The Armed Forces have also been involved in environmental preservation projects and in development projects under the royal patronage to help people in remote rural areas as well as to develop self-sufficient economy.

Beyond the border, the Royal Thai .Armed Forces have joined in certain military operations sanctioned by United Nations -the first of which was the participation of approximately 4,000 Thai troops in the United Nations forces during the Korean War .Today , Thai soldiers remain stationed under the UN Command's Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC) in South Korea. In 1991, the Royal Thai Armed Forces sent troops to participate in the UN Guard to support humanitarian operations in northern Iraq and until the present took part in the Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM) in the demilitarized zone along the Iraq- Kuwait border. Two military engineering companies took part in the demining operations in Cambodia under the UNT AC from 1992-1993. Thailand also sent observers to the elections held in Namibia (UNTAG) in 1990 and South Africa (UNOMSA) in 1994. Thai civil police officers have been assigned to the peacekeeping operations in Bosnia (UNMIBH) since 1997.

Since 1999, Thailand has participated in two additional peacekeeping operations -in Sierra Leone and in East Timor. Thailand has actively participated in the International Force in East Timor (INTERFET), sending 1,581 troops to the operations as well as taking up the deputy commandership of the INTERFET. With the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNT AET) having taken over from the INTERFET on 23 February 2000; Thailand sent 925 troops and 12 observers to participate in the UNTAET forces.

All these activities of the Royal Thai Armed Forces serve to underscore Thailand' s commitment to supporting and cooperating with the United Nations in the latter's peacekeeping operations, as endorsed by the United Nations.

Since 1990, the Armed Forces have been undergoing continuous adjustments. Particularly, in the past two years, strenuous efforts have, been made towards well-planned, thorough reforms and restructuring of the entire forces, involving work systems and force management as well as command and force structures. The restructuring master plan, which was drawn up by an agency-wide committee and approved by the Defence Council in September 1999, will be implemented in three phases with the expected completion in the fiscal year 2011, with constant reviews. Important aspects of the restructuring include rationalization of works among the forces, including transfer of certain works to other government agencies and contracting out to private sectors; greater emphasis on human resources development, research and development capabilities, and modernization; and downsizing of the armed forces while improving quality and efficiency. The goals are to achieve smaller yet more efficient and modernized armed forces, while optimizing the budget allocated by the government.