Making the most of war
Re: "Trump looms large in 2026 local outlook" (Business, Dec 23).
In practice, China and the US are already in a multi‑front war -- trade, technology, capital, and geopolitical influence -- even if it has not yet reached open armed conflict.
Thailand has an upcoming election. Geopolitics will shape our future more than ever. The People's Party de-facto leader, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, says that if his party were in charge, he would move away from China and seek closer ties with the West.
During the previous election campaign in 2019, he even promoted a hypothetical hyperloop over a proven China high‑speed rail project under construction.
Floated by Elon Musk in 2013, the pricey "hyperloop" is ultra-high-speed ground transport system where passenger or cargo pods travel through near-vacuum tubes, using magnetic levitation (maglev) or air bearings for propulsion and lift.
In this election campaign, no other party has explained its vision of how Thailand could benefit from this rivalry and what geopolitical stance they will support, beyond repeating the old slogan of "neutrality."
It is time for every party to state clearly that they will put the national interest first and outline specific actions, even if that means accepting some costs imposed by the superpowers.
While engaging in a losing economic conflict with China, the US is also fighting a shooting proxy war with Russia in Ukraine.
To support its war effort, Russia is offering oil at a substantial discount to market prices. India's stance on buying discounted Russian oil -- despite US pressure -- shows how a country can defend its interests and enhance its image at home and abroad.
War creates both hardships and opportunities.
Thailand is a fuel‑starved country; we import roughly 80% of our oil needs. It is time we take advantage of the lower cost of oil offered by Russia, without being overly fearful of US sanctions.
Trump's proposed tariffs will not hurt the average Thai citizen, and lowering the cost per barrel of oil is likely to reduce consumer and industrial fuel prices and, in turn, lower inflation and support higher economic growth.
M L Saksiri Kridakorn
