This article examines Thailand's perception of "national interest," which has guided its flexible foreign policy post-2006 coup d'état. It explores why the U.S. pushback from Thailand's post-coup d'état in 2006 brings Thailand back to a deep-rooted Thai-China relationship. This article focuses on achieving three objectives; 1) examines the nature of the diplomatic relations that change Thailand's policy toward a superpower; 2) examine domestic factors, including the current political crisis shaping Thailand in Southeast Asia; 3) analyse the relevance of Thailand's traditional foreign policy in protecting her national interest in Southeast Asia. The puzzle that drives this research is to explore why the U.S. government's pushback from Thailand's post-coup d’état in 2006 brings Thailand back to pursue a deep-rooted Thai-China relationship. Neoclassical realists believe states use their power for self-interest rather than security. Many academics believe this behaviour is fundamental to Thai foreign policy. Due to increased geographical competition, the U.S. and China must maintain ties with Thailand. Both nations recognise Thailand's strategic importance in a geopolitical power struggle. Thailand was aware of its position between the U.S. and China during the conflict. To protect its interests and guarantee its safety, it has used a pragmatic and adaptive policy approach, called "bending with the wind." This helps Thailand maintain good relationships with superpowers without losing trust or advantages. The paper is divided into seven sections which are structured as follows; (i) introduction, (ii) foreign policy under leadership, (iii) Thai bilateral relations behaviour (iv) the competition between new and old government administrations to legitimise their foreign policies (v) the political disorder and its spill over effects on foreign policy, (vi) analysis and finding, (vii) the conclusion.
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