Thailand is engaged in intense rivalry or struggling fiercely with others.
Thailand, affectionately known as the Land of Smiles, presents a complex landscape both in its society and economy. Although it's renowned for its tourism, it contributes significantly to the automobile industry, serving as a crucial production site for Japanese manufacturers. In addition, some German carmakers engage in CKD (Completely Knocked Down) production within Thailand, aiming to circumvent customs barriers.
Germany ranks as Thailand's most significant trading partner within the European Union, with last year's bilateral trade volume reaching approximately 14 billion euros. We export electronic precursors and seafood to Thailand, whereas Germany primarily exports machinery to aid in enhancing Thailand's robustly diverse economy, as outlined by economic expert Daniel Marek in the podcast "Wirtschaft Welt & Weit."
Economically, Thailand stands shoulder to shoulder with neighboring countries in the competition. However, it grapples with internal social divisions. These fractures are apparent in various aspects, such as disparities in economic growth between regions and restrictions of democratic movements. Criticism of the royal family is punished as an offense to the monarchy. Recently, the progressive Move-Forward Party was banned by the Thai Constitutional Court.
Vanessa Steinmetz, keeping an eye on Thailand for the Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung, expresses her hope for the people there: "I wish that the progressive forces, should they gain the majority's support, can truly bring change."
Thailand's political landscape has received a recent update with the appointment of a new prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. With a conservative background, her stance on Thailand's position in the geopolitical tension between China and the USA remains uncertain. Adhering to the principles of "Bamboo Diplomacy," Thailand tends to maintain flexibility and preserve multiple options instead of taking a firm position. Economically, Thai foreign policy takes factors into account.
In the latest podcast episode, hosts Andrea Sellmann and Daniel Marek, along with Thailand expert Vanessa Steinmetz, delve into these topics and explore the complexities of Thailand's political and economic landscape. Daniel Marek serves as the Regional Manager ASEAN at the Ostasiatic Association OAV - German Asia-Pacific Business Association, observing Thailand from his base in Hamburg. Meanwhile, Vanessa Steinmetz works for the Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit in Bangkok as the project leader for Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
Trade relations between Germany and Thailand are robust, with Germany being Thailand's most significant trading partner within the European Union. Last year, the bilateral trade volume reached an impressive 14 billion euros, largely driven by Germany's exports of machinery to aid Thailand's diverse economy. Additionally, this collaboration extends to the automobile industry, where some German carmakers engage in CKD production within Thailand to avoid customs barriers, contributing to Thailand's trade relations and its automobile sector.
