<div><span>Since the coup d’état on 22 May, while the human rights situation has deteriorated and Thai people have tried to voice their disapproval of the coup d’état in the face of suppression by the junta, the international community has played a role as a voice denouncing the military government and urging the junta to respect human rights.&nbsp;</span></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Britain is one of the countries with a clear stance toward the coup. </div>

<p>China’s tactic has been cautious and very diplomatic. Thailand and China established its diplomatic ties in 1975. Throughout the latter half of the Cold War, Thailand and China formed a loose military alignment against the advancement of Vietnamese communists in Indochina. After the end of the Cold War, bilateral relations have remained healthy thanks to the absence of territorial disputes, the firm ties between the Thai royal family and the Chinese leadership, and the well-integrated Chinese community in Thailand.</p>

<p>The recent cosy-up between the Thai junta and the Chinese leadership has reflected the shift of the regional order. China is certainly on the rise. Thailand, even under civilian regimes, has been willing to bend backwards to please China. With the Americans coming out to criticise the coup, the military leaders have then switched their alliance to Beijing, at least for the time being.</p> <p><img alt="" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3866/14462418942_8f96d8fd9f_o.jpg" /></p>