After death of Thai king, just how strong are China’s ties with key regional ally?
Southeast Asian country is an important trading partner and one of the favourite destinations for Chinese tourists
After the death of Thailand’s 88-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the uncertainty hanging over the country’s future has cast a shadow over bilateral ties with China, its largest neighbour.
As one of China’s key allies in Southeast Asia, Thailand’s support is becoming increasingly crucial as simmering tensions in the disputed South China Sea sour China’s relations with other countries in the region.
Unlike the Philippines, Vietnam and some other neighbouring countries, Thailand is not involved in any territorial disputes with China that could fuel tension or sour ties.
And unlike the situation in Indonesia and Vietnam, there has been no friction with the sizeable ethnic Chinese community in Thailand, which has been fully assimilated into Thai society and acts as a useful bridge between the two countries.
