The New World Order: A Better Path for Thailand

The New World Order: A Better Path for Thailand

By Janpha Thadphoothon

I am writing this post acknowledging my lack of expertise. I am not a strategist, nor am I considered a political analyst. I am an English teacher who happens to read and follow global news.

Recently, I have been processing news about the advent of AI and the threats it poses. The wars and geopolitical conflicts happening around the world, and Thailand's serious challenges, including scams and illegal migrant problems, are all concerning.

The arrival of Donald Trump has, in my view, exacerbated the situation, as he has disrupted the world order. This is indeed the VUCA world. The VUCA world is a dynamic and unpredictable environment characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. These factors make it challenging for businesses to navigate and manage effectively.

Thailand and the New World Order continues to be a topic of immense importance, especially given the current global climate. As we've discussed, the world is experiencing a period of profound change, and the return of a Trump 2.0 presidency only amplifies the sense of uncertainty. The world is now in the middle of a Hurricane.

What would be the right path for Thailand? I would like to suggest we look into our cultural and historical root. In this context, I want to emphasize the profound relevance of Thailand's Sufficiency Economy philosophy. It is a philosophy that encourages a balanced way of life in Thailand. It was developed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej to improve the lives of Thai people. This isn't just a quaint, traditional concept; it's a pragmatic framework for navigating the complexities of the modern world.

Sufficiency Economy, at its core, revolves around three key principles: moderation, urging us to avoid extremes in thought and action; reasonableness, advocating for prudence and the use of knowledge and virtue as guiding forces; and self-immunity, emphasizing the need to protect against the impacts of both internal and external changes.

The purpose of Sufficiency Economy is to create a stable development that can cope with rapid changes in the world. It can be applied to individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole. This is crucial as the world throws curveballs at us daily.

The Huai Sai Royal Development Study Center, for example, demonstrates the application of Sufficiency Economy in agriculture, water resource management, forestry, and rural development. These practical applications underscore the philosophy's relevance to real-world challenges. There are numerous examples for us to look into. The benefits are clear: Sufficiency Economy can help people protect themselves from unexpected factors associated with globalization and market turbulence. It can also help people live a stable life and contribute to sustainable development. Related concepts highlight that Sufficiency Economy is a guide for making decisions that benefit development, not a theory about how the economy works.

I am sure you would agree with me that the world is indeed experiencing a plethora of "strange things." As we know, global tensions are rising, and the old certainties seem to be dissolving. The news has it that alliances are shifting, economic power is redistributing, and the very fabric of international relations is being rewoven.

Consider the recent developments in Europe. Europe finally has a plan to end the war in Ukraine and provide for European security. German chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz has found a way to eliminate the German debt brake and unleash hundreds of billions of euros in German money. European leaders have agreed to a €800bn “ReArm Europe” defence fund to increase military spending and jumpstart the defence industry. And British prime minister Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron have proposed a European force of some 30,000 soldiers to deploy to Ukraine after a ceasefire. These moves point to a continent bracing for a period of heightened geopolitical instability.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump has refused to say whether the US economy is facing a recession or price rises in the wake of his administration's flip-flopping on tariff threats against some of its closest trading partners. Asked if he was expecting a recession this year, Trump said there was a "period of transition" taking place. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, however, insisted there would be no contraction in the world's largest economy, while acknowledging that the price of some goods may rise. It comes after a volatile week for US financial markets as investors grappled with uncertainty from his administration's U-turn on some key parts of its aggressive trade policies. This economic uncertainty, coupled with shifting trade policies, creates a volatile environment for nations like Thailand.

I think, in this context, your point about Thailand relying more on itself, echoing the self-sufficiency theory of the Great King, Rama IX, is particularly pertinent. In my opinion, the concept of "sufficiency economy" is not just a nostalgic ideal; it's a pragmatic approach to navigating an increasingly uncertain world. It is my personal belief that the principles of moderation, prudence, and resilience, which are central to this theory, offer a solid foundation for Thailand's future.

They say that the "New World Order" is a nebulous concept, a catch-all term for the forces shaping the 21st century. It is well known that some see it as a sinister plot orchestrated by a global elite, while others view it as a natural consequence of globalization and technological progress. What we all know and agree upon is that change is inevitable. I am not sure but I tend to think that the core question is not whether change will happen, but how we will adapt to it.

My conviction is that Thailand, with its rich cultural heritage and its history of navigating complex geopolitical landscapes, is uniquely positioned to weather these storms. People say that the world is becoming increasingly interconnected, but I would argue that this interconnectedness also brings vulnerabilities. Some argue for greater integration into global systems, while some argue against it, advocating for a more insular approach. Experts say that a balanced approach is crucial, one that leverages the benefits of globalization while mitigating the risks. I am not an expert, but I have read somewhere that this balance is often elusive, requiring careful planning and strategic foresight.

I know you would agree with me that the rise of nationalism and populism in various parts of the world is a significant trend. I guess it is a reaction to the perceived failures of globalism, a yearning for stability and control in a world that feels increasingly chaotic. I'd like to entertain you with the idea that Thailand, by embracing its own cultural identity and strengthening its internal resilience, can serve as a beacon of stability in a turbulent region.

By integrating the principles of Sufficiency Economy, Thailand can build a strong and resilient foundation, capable of withstanding the shocks and uncertainties of the "New World Order." This philosophy, rooted in moderation, reason, and self-immunity, provides a practical roadmap for navigating the complexities of our rapidly changing world.