11 - From an Alliance to a Broad Relationship: New Zealand and Thailand

Summary

Introduction

The bulk of the New Zealand relationship with Thailand, in the post– World War II (WWII) era, revolved around a series of concerns about security in Southeast Asia, including New Zealand's South-East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) commitments, the Vietnam War and Vietnam's invasion of Cambodia. The relationship waxed and waned over the years, but was largely based on the fact that Bangkok and Wellington shared a number of common interests. Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia were viewed by Wellington as the most important countries of Southeast Asia for strategic and economic reasons. Relations with Thailand were subordinate to that — notably the protection of Malaysia's northern border.

Official New Zealand documents from the mid-1970s made constant reference in the post-SEATO era to a more well-rounded relationship, or a broadening of ties. The one consistent strand of the relationship remained official development assistance (ODA), which netted a lot of goodwill for New Zealand. Vietnam's invasion of Cambodia reinvigorated the relationship as Thailand sought New Zealand's support against Hanoi's actions. The end of the Cold War meant a mellowing of the relationship, which occurred at the same time as New Zealand's desire to tap an expanding Thai economy — a potential that New Zealand officials had identified as early as the 1960s.

Contact Prior to SEATO

Prior to New Zealand's decision to become involved in SEATO, Thailand was not a country given much attention from decision-makers in Wellington. In fact, post-war relations had an awkward start. When Thailand (or Siam as it was then referred to in Commonwealth circles) opted to side with Japan during WWII with a transit agreement, the allies promptly declared war on Thailand. A fact not found in background papers or publicity releases from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is that, at 5 p.m. on 25 January 1942 (New Zealand Standard Time), New Zealand declared war on the government of Thailand in accordance with New Zealand's allies, and a state of war existed until 8.30 p.m. on 11 January 1946 when it “ceased”. Subsequent to this, any interaction with Thailand was done on New Zealand's behalf by the United Kingdom. The New Zealand government decided that it would be best if the British government handled the claims of any “wrongs done to New Zealanders” during WWII.