I had the great pleasure of reconnecting recently in Bangkok with Abhisit Vejjajiva, former Prime Minister of Thailand, for a fascinating and wide-ranging discussion. Our first meeting, amongst several, was fifteen years ago in Bahrain in the company of the Thai Ambassador during his premiership.

Educated in the UK and a graduate of Oxford, Abhisit brings a unique perspective on Thai and global affairs shaped by his leadership experience and deep understanding of international relations. Our conversation covered Thailand’s evolving political landscape, its positioning amid the world’s shifting global dynamics and the potential impact of Donald Trump’s current trade policies on Thailand and Southeast Asia as a whole. We also reflected on the UK’s current trajectory and future direction viewed through the lens of a person with strong connections at the highest levels in both British and Thai politics.

It was a privilege to exchange views with such a seasoned leader reinforcing how deeply interconnected global politics remains. As Thailand navigates its path forward, its geopolitical positioning will be critical in these uncertain times. It will also be most interesting to maintain this exchange and explore potential avenues for cooperation.

#thailand #politics #geopolitics #leadership #internationalrelations #southeastasia #diplomacy #trade #ukpolitics #globalaffairs