Japan-Thailand Relations and Triangular Cooperation with Southeast Asian Countries

Abstract

This article pays attention to the relations between Japan-Thailand bilateral relations and the development cooperation in the form of Triangular Cooperation which two donors - the traditional and emerging donors, implemented in the third countries in Southeast Asia in order to enhance the understanding of changes in policy and implementation of development cooperation of both countries since 2000s. It tries to answer 2 questions: first, what and how does the Triangular Cooperation respond to or serve national interests of both donors? ; and second, what and how does Triangular Cooperation effect on the Japan-Thailand bilateral relations and vi versa, and on regional development in Southeast Asia?

The study shows that the Triangular Cooperation which Japan and Thailand have conducted in the third country in Southeast Asia serves national interests of both donors. For Japan, this form of cooperation while provides an opportunity to extend its development cooperation into recipient countries, helps keep relationship and interaction with emerging donors which are its former recipients. In addition, the development cooperation provided to the recipient through Triangular Cooperation is proved to be more relevant and effective. For Thailand, this form of cooperation while provides an opportunity to extend its development cooperation into recipient countries, contributes to its bilateral relations with Japan and regional development. However, Triangular Cooperation between Japan-Thailand and the third country is far from perfect.