The Kra Canal and Thai security

Abstract

This thesis addresses the possible consequences of the Kra Canal on both Thai Sea Power and Thai Security. The thesis starts by discussing the history of the Kra Canal, from the Ayutthaya period to the present. After analyzing the impact of the project on Thai Sea Power using the ideas of Alfred Thayer Mahan, the thesis concludes that the Kra Canal plays a major role on Thai Sea Power because the canal benefits both the Royal Thai Navy and Thai maritime commerce. Finally, the thesis examines the possible consequences of the Kra Canal project on Thai Security. In this case, the thesis found that the Kra Canal contributes to Thai Security because it benefits Thailand in handling tension involving its neighbors.