The Diplomat | Author

Tita Sanglee
Tita Sanglee is an Associate Fellow at the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute and a columnist at The Diplomat.
Tita Sanglee is an Associate Fellow at the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute and a columnist at The Diplomat.
Her commentaries focus on security/political issues in Thailand and Southeast Asia, and the region’s relations with the great powers. She also works in a family-owned business in the hospitality industry.
Tita holds a MA in War Studies from King’s College London, and a BSc in Politics and International Relations from the University of Bristol. She had previously interned at the Royal Thai Government House and worked as a research assistant.

June 18, 2025
Good Neighbors Make Good Fences: The Strategic Basis for a Thai-Vietnamese Entente
By Tita Sanglee and Khang Vu
Both Bangkok and Hanoi share concerns about China's expanding influence in Laos and Cambodia, a historic arena of strategic competition between the two powers.

May 23, 2025
The Rumored Chinese Submarine Transfer from Thailand to Cambodia Is Unfounded
By Tita Sanglee
In recent weeks, Bangkok's troubled submarine acquisition plans have been subject to an explosive rumor.

April 15, 2025
Trump’s Tariff Threat and Thailand’s Response: A Missing Piece on Defense?
By Tita Sanglee
Purchasing more U.S. arms would be an obvious way of reducing the trade surplus with the U.S., but Thai leaders may not be ready for uncomfortable discussions over Thailand's alignment.

March 17, 2025
Trying to Understand the Logic (If Any) of Thailand’s 10,000 Baht Handout
By Tita Sanglee
The debate surrounding the "digital wallet" stimulus is now less about whether it’s a good or bad idea and more about just how much damage it will do.

February 28, 2025
Unruly Israeli Visitors, Thai Resentment, and Potential Dangers
By Tita Sanglee
Israeli expats have become a dominant presence in the northern town of Pai, on the border with Myanmar's Shan State.

February 02, 2025
Thailand Versus the Scam Boom: A Look Into the Fight
By Tita Sanglee
Does Bangkok really have the power to bring the region's online scamming gangs to their knees?

December 30, 2024
Grasping Thailand’s Northern Border Conundrum
By Tita Sanglee
Recent encroachments by the China-backed United Wa State Army (UWSA) have presented Bangkok with some tricky decisions.

November 27, 2024
Beyond the Clouds: The Thai Air Force’s Grand Rebrand
By Tita Sanglee
The force has plans to rename itself the Royal Thai Air and Space Force, a recognition of the growing significance of the space domain.

October 31, 2024
Why Pressuring Thailand on North Korea Misses the Mark
By Tita Sanglee
Despite a consistent, albeit minuscule, economic relationship, Bangkok has little meaningful leverage over Pyongyang.

September 30, 2024
Just How Proactive is Thailand’s ‘Proactive Diplomacy’?
By Tita Sanglee
The past two administrations have pledged to play a more prominent role on the global stage. But words have yet to be met with actions.

September 03, 2024
Thailand’s Foreign Policy Is Inherently Undervalued
By Tita Sanglee
In the discussions over Thailand's new cabinet, there has been a curious silence about foreign policy.

August 02, 2024
Tension and Teamwork: The Dual Dynamics of Thailand-Vietnam Relations
By Tita Sanglee
Thai commentators fear that fast-growing Vietnam could steal their nation's economic crown, but in most respects bilateral relations are in a better state than ever before.
Page 1 of 6