Thailand as an Awkward Middle Power

Thailand defies common international hierarchies. Given the growing multipolarity of the international system, there is a need to increase our understanding of countries that are neither great nor ‘regional powers’, nor traditional middle powers. Thailand is a middle-income country, with developing military and technological capacities, and they play a role in regional organisations. Yet, Thailand refrains from seeking greater participation or leadership in global organisations. Thailand does not match the definition of either a traditional or an emerging middle power. Thus, the country is ripe for examination in a different conceptual category. This chapter examines in depth Thailand’s fit with the concept of awkward powers and it argues that in order to understand its status and behaviour, we must focus on domestic political considerations. This chapter demonstrates that a country’s internal political dynamics drives their international status and priorities.