Just two years ago, Thailand and Indonesia commemorated the 70th anniversary of relations, with both sides holding events to celebrate. Over the year, they mapped out various plans that would boost bilateral ties with the aim of establishing and hastening a "strategic partnership". These included strengthening political and economic relations, investment, as well as people-to-people exchanges. In particular, both countries would establish "High-Level Committees" in their law enforcement agencies, including the police and military, to counter common challenges such as narcotics, human trafficking and call centre scams. Then a month later came the Myanmar quagmire.
The dynamics of Thai-Indonesian ties changed drastically after the Myanmar military seized power on Feb 1, 2021. The full bloom of democracy that spanned a decade -- from 2011 to 2021 -- was upended. Indonesia, as the world's third-largest democracy, stood up and suddenly became the most outspoken Asean member against the Myanmar military regime in a move that resonated both in the region and around the world. Meanwhile, Thailand has been portrayed as a supporter of the Nay Pyi Taw junta. Bangkok's mild manner and discreet diplomacy have been harshly criticised by various sectors as a result.
