Thai Foreign Policy and the Guidelines for Thailand’s Soft Power in Support of Sustainable Development

Abstract

Soft Power is an important tool for improving 'international cultural relations,' which are unique and close interactions between countries and all actors in the government, private, and civil sectors. This encourages the exchange of cultural knowledge across borders and contributes to the development and improvement of international relations and cooperation in all areas, including cultural, social, economic, and international politics and policies. The article examines the role of Thailand's government and foreign policymaking in supporting Soft Power in a variety of situations and identities, based on Naowarat Pongpaiboon's description of Thai Soft Power and Creative Culture under the 'Tripartite of Art and Culture' concept. This concept is explored in the Guidelines for Determining Foreign Policy in Thailand Under the New World Order. The study found that the government plays an important role in promoting Soft Power in order to promote international cultural linkages and expand global cooperative networks. The state acts as a policy leader, establishing directions, strategies, and infrastructure to enable the use of Soft Power as a tool for diplomacy and long-term economic development.