Thai diplomatic strategy falters? Commentary says Anutin's China pressure bid failed

A Cambodian media commentary recently argued that Thai Prime Minister Anutin had misjudged relations among Thailand, China and Cambodia. It said his attempt to use China's influence to pressure Cambodia over the border dispute had achieved no practical result and instead exposed Thailand's weak position in regional affairs. The commentary said that during a senior Thai delegation's visit to China, China's leaders clearly reiterated the importance of regional peace and restraint, urging Thailand and Cambodia to avoid conflict and resolve disputes through dialogue. The analysis said this differed markedly from Thailand's hoped-for Chinese support on the border issue and left Anutin's diplomacy in an awkward position. It added that China consistently valued cooperation with Cambodia in its regional strategy and would not support actions that escalated tensions. The report argued that Anutin intended to balance relations with China and the United States while exerting political pressure on Cambodia, but that Beijing's and Washington's positions had left Thailand at a greater diplomatic disadvantage. The commentary concluded that the strategy brought no new leverage and was instead seen as a miscalculated political gamble, further weakening Thailand's influence amid current tensions. Compiled by this station.