Book Thailand and ASEAN 1967-1979 Nadhavathna Krishnamra ISBN 978-616-341-152-5 (Download .pdf below)

"The study is an attempt at analyzing cooperation within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from one national perspective, through an examination of Thai policy towards initiatives within ASEAN during the period 1967-1979. Thailand’s policy within ASEAN is analyzed within a holistic framework, incorporating political, economic and functional cooperation, with each of the themes being discussed in turn, as well as through case study examinations of its position on various issues. It is found that Collective Political Defence provides a useful conceptual tool for the examination of Thailand’s regional policies in this early period of ASEAN’s existence, although it is better suited to the political sphere instead of the more disputed economic and technical spheres, and reflected Thailand’s dominant security concerns during these years. Moreover, the holistic approach is seen to be more applicable with respect to planning than in terms of implementation, and coordination became an important problem within Thailand as within ASEAN as a whole."

Excerpt from the author's foreword