Thailand is Singapore's "granary," so every move Thailand makes affects the nerves of the Singapore government.
Singapore's official media, "Lianhe Zaobao," reported on the front page about Singapore media's concern over changes in Thailand's political situation.
Singapore's attention to the Thai situation mainly stems from regional interest balance and its own strategic considerations, involving multiple factors such as politics, economy, and security.
1. Politics and Power Struggles
Recent political turbulence in Thailand (such as the controversy over the prime minister's resignation) may affect the balance of power in Southeast Asia. As an important country in the region, Singapore needs to assess the potential impact of changes in Thailand's policies on the ASEAN cooperation mechanism.
2. Economic Interest Links
Thailand is Singapore's main supplier of rice; the Singapore government is worried that instability in Thailand's political situation could lead to changes in the amount of rice exported to Singapore.
A decline in Thailand's tourism (such as a decrease in Chinese tourists) may affect the regional economic chain. Singapore and Thailand have a competitive relationship in tourism; instability in Thailand's situation may indirectly increase Singapore's appeal as an alternative destination.
3. Security and Stability Considerations
Thailand's public security issues (such as concerns about tourist safety, conflicts at the Cambodia-Thailand border) may spill over to neighboring countries. Singapore needs to closely monitor to ensure the safety of its citizens and companies in Thailand, while maintaining a stable image in the region.
4. Geopolitical Dynamics
Interactions between Singapore and Thailand in areas such as football matches and cultural exchanges reflect a relationship of both competition and cooperation between the two countries. Singapore needs to strengthen its regional influence through multiple fields.
Thailand plans to excavate the Kra Canal, connecting the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea, to shorten ship voyages and avoid the Strait of Malacca. If this project is successfully implemented, it will significantly reduce shipping costs and pose a threat to Singapore's port business.
Singapore, as a traditional trade hub in Southeast Asia, faces challenges from Thailand's efforts to gain regional economic dominance through the Kra Canal project. Thailand is trying to take a more proactive position in the regional economic landscape by strengthening connectivity cooperation with neighboring countries (such as the China-Myanmar oil and gas pipeline, Indonesia high-speed rail, etc.).
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841845362368512/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.