Publication

This paper examines the development of Thailand’s policy toward the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia between 1975 and the mid 1990s. The author states that during the course of the 1970s and 1980s, the relationship between Thailand and the Khmer Rouge shifted dramatically from hated enemies to trading counterparts. Even though the Thais were well aware of the massive atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge against the Cambodian people, perceptions of Thai national security and lucrative trade led them to support the regime in part. The paper concludes that "realpolitik" considerations therefore proved far more important than the ideological conflict between Thai capitalism and Khmer Rouge communism.