<p>This report will explore the roots of the influence of Chinese concepts of development found in the ECC: the role of the Thai elite (specifically Somkid Jatusripitak), the big picture of economic and political changes in Thailand and China, and the history of modern Sino-Thai interdependence.</p>

<p>Thailand’s military government hurriedly approved the budget to purchase three submarines from China, defending its decision as “strategically necessary” in the age of uncertain security situation in the region. However, the junta’s decision has been heavily criticised by the Thai public on the real need for the costly submarines at the time of the country’s economic downturn.</p>