International cooperation between Thailand and Democratic Kampuchea

Conclusions

In this research paper, the qualitative growth of relations between Thailand and Democratic Kampuchea was analyzed. From the very beginning, Thailand went to meet the Kampucheans, which laid the foundation for a strong relationship. The Thais were pushed to such a step by the then completely new policy of democracy and openness to other countries for Thailand. Prior to that, Thailand professed a policy of pro-Americanism and dictatorial militarism, which was led by the military, and in general, as time and further recognition of Thai politicians show, it was an unsuccessful policy. There were many problems in the relations between Kampuchea and Thailand, so Thailand, despite all intentions and efforts, still did not open its embassy in Phnom Penh, and in many ways, the Cambodian leaders were moving closer to Thailand because of the threat from Vietnam. Perhaps if the Vietnamese had also gone to meet the Kampucheans, everything would have turned in the other direction - Vietnam would have become a “comrade” of Kampuchea, and Thailand would have become an enemy. Anyway, despite the obstacles, relations between the two countries have developed very well, and have developed in a positive way.

Of course, it is necessary to say about the role of China in the relations between the two countries: at first, Cambodian and Thai diplomats contacted through the Chinese embassy or crossed paths in Beijing, and China also did a lot to bring the two countries closer. For example, for the first time Ieng Sary visited Bangkok, arriving on a Chinese plane. And later, after the coup of October 20, 1977, China pushed the Kampucheans to resume and improve relations with Thailand. From the very beginning, trade began to unfold between the two countries, and then cooperation between the two countries will gradually reach the international level, and eventually reach a frankly allied character when the Vietnamese troops occupy the country. However, in the future, after the withdrawal of Vietnamese troops from Cambodia, Thailand will begin to rapidly move away from the Khmer Rouge, who have increasingly become associated with the “bloody genocide of their people.” Then, Thailand, which was entering the world and joining the global system, wanted to have a good reputation and broke with the Khmer Rouge for this.

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