The "Ho Chi Minh Factor" in Thai-Vietnamese relations

Abstract

This thesis aims to study the role of Ho Chi Minh and his legacy in Thailand-Vietnam relations as well as the Thai ruling elite’s perception of Ho Chi Minh and its impacts on the bilateral relationship between the two countries through the period from the end of World War II to the present. The study adopted a qualitative research method. Research techniques included documentary research and interviews. Moreover, case studies were carried out in Nakhon Phanom and Udon Thani, where the Ho Chi Minh sites are located and where Vietnamese patriotic activities were active, to collect relevant data. The study finds that the “Ho Chi Minh Factor” has its stamp on every period of the developments of bilateral relations between Thailand and Vietnam since 1945. Accordingly, during 1945-1969, Ho Chi Minh himself played an important role in shaping Vietnam’s Thailand policy as well as in promoting Thai-Vietnamese friendship at the people-to-people level. Regarding Thailand, there has been significant change in the Thai ruling elite’s perception of Ho Chi Minh since the end of the World War II. During 1945-1948, the progressive Seri Thai’s government tended to see Ho as a patriot and extended invaluable assistance to Ho’s Viet Minh. With the outset of the Cold War, the Thai military regime saw Ho as a Communist leader whose policy posed a serious threat to regional peace, stability as well as to Thai national security, especially when the Vietnamese president was worshiped by the overwhelming majority of the Viet Kieu in Thailand. In the contemporary context, the Thai ruling elite has changed their perception of Ho, which is reflected through the establishment of the historical sites of Ho Chi Minh in Nakhon Phanom and Udon Thani. This is appreciated by the Vietnamese and is seen as a goodwill gesture for strengthening Thailand-Vietnam bilateral relations.