{
  "id": 13949647,
  "title": "‘We love them both’: Thailand seeks balance between US and China",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/we-love-them-both-thailand-seeks-balance-between-us-and-china",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-12T11:37:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Khaosod English",
    "slug": "khaosod-english",
    "url": "https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2026/10/12/we-love-them-both-thailand-seeks-balance-between-us-and-china/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Thailand is comfortable with both China and the United States and should aim to strike a balance between the two major powers, according to the air force chief. Air Chief Marshal Seksan Khantha, the commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, stated that Thailand should not view its relationships with Washington and Beijing as a choice between taking sides. Instead, he emphasized that Thailand should pursue cooperation with both countries that benefits all parties involved. \"There is no such thing as neutrality, but we must maintain a balance,\" Seksan explained when discussing Thailand's position between the two powers. He likened the scenario to having two powerful friends, suggesting that Thailand could maintain relationships with both by targeting areas of cooperation that are mutually advantageous. \"Thailand has no problems with anyone,\" Seksan remarked, adding that the best approach is to \"love them both.\"\n\nDuring a presentation of his policy priorities for 2027-2028 at the Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Air Force Academy, Seksan highlighted the importance of making decisions on balancing relations with major powers, including cooperation in military, economic, and political affairs, in the interests of the government and the nation. He also pointed out the increasing geopolitical risks, citing the Russia-Ukraine war, rising defense spending among NATO members, and disruptions to military supply chains that have increased costs and complicated logistics. Seksan cautioned that strategic chokepoints, such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Strait of Malacca, and Taiwan, could exacerbate global crises and supply chain disruptions, making it essential for governments to reassess their ability to rely on domestic resources.\n\nRegarding regional security, Seksan warned that threats along Thailand's borders are becoming more complex, with the growing use of missile systems, drones, and electromagnetic operations. He drew lessons from clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border, noting that future confrontations could become more challenging as opposing forces combine conventional weapons with modern technology. Additionally, Seksan cited the expansion of major-power influence in neighboring countries, such as the construction of an airbase at Ban Keun in Laos, and emphasized that Thailand must protect its national interests without becoming a pawn of any major power. The challenge, he stated, is to maintain a balance that prevents Thailand from being placed in an unfavorable position during times of war or natural disasters.",
  "summary": "BANGKOK – Thailand has no problems with either China or the United States and should maintain a balance between the two major powers by pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation, the air force chief said on Monday. Air Chief Marshal Seksan Khantha, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, said Thailand should not view its relations with […] The post ‘We love them both’: Thailand seeks…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}