Thai Military Raises Questions Over Great-Power Influence as Laos Airport Project Advances
Thai Military Raises Questions Over Great-Power Influence as Laos Airport Project Advances
BANGKOK, October 13, 2026 — Thailand’s air force commander says the military is monitoring an airport construction project at Ban Kuen in Laos, describing it as part of broader great-power competition with potential economic, political and military implications for the region.
Air Chief Marshal Seksan Kantha made the remarks at the Navamindradhiraj Air Force Academy while outlining his command intentions for 2027–2028, known in Thailand’s Buddhist calendar as 2570–2571.
Seksan said Thailand must carefully balance its relations with the United States and China, arguing that the country should not view itself as neutral between the two powers.
Thailand monitors regional influence
The air force chief said the airport project in neighbouring Laos, east of Thailand, illustrated the expanding influence of major powers in Southeast Asia.
He said such projects could serve economic interests while potentially carrying political and military implications. However, he also stressed that Thailand and Laos remained friendly neighbours, describing Laos as a peace-loving country with legitimate economic development needs.
Thailand, he said, would continue assessing regional developments and examining the intentions behind them.
“The threat is not only about possessing military equipment, but whether there is an intention to use it,” Seksan said, referring to lessons Thailand had drawn from the Thai-Cambodian border situation.
He added that decisions involving relations with major powers and requests for external support must be coordinated with the Foreign Ministry and aligned with government policy.
Thailand could not isolate itself from the international community, he said, and needed to maintain relationships with neighbouring countries despite differing levels of trust and cooperation.
Air force chief rejects neutrality between Washington and Beijing
Asked whether Thailand would remain neutral between the United States and China, Seksan said there was “no such thing as neutrality.”
Instead, he argued that Thailand should maintain a balance by cooperating with both countries in areas that serve mutual interests.
Thailand had no problem with either power, he said, adding that the best approach was to “love both.” He also acknowledged that diplomacy sometimes requires concessions in exchange for benefits, provided the outcome serves Thailand’s national interests.
Seksan stressed that the military’s international engagement must remain consistent with the government’s diplomatic direction and be coordinated with the Foreign Ministry.
