The Multilateral Roles in Advancing Thailand’s Soft Power in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Abstract

          This research aims to examine the types and analyze the roles of various multilateral actors in driving Thailand’s soft power in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, employing a qualitative research methodology in the form of documentary research. The findings indicate that Thailand’s soft-power engagement is advanced through multidimensional cooperation encompassing culture, education, economics, tourism, and border-area development. Key drivers include the Thai government and state agencies, which play crucial roles in formulating policies and promoting cultural exchange, Thai-language dissemination, and academic collaboration. The private sector plays a prominent role in fostering economic, business, and industrial linkages, while non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have emerged as new actors contributing to human rights and environmental support. In addition, the research highlights two major impacts on Lao society: the strengthening of bilateral relations and positive acceptance of Thai culture, and challenges concerning cultural identity and economic inequality. The effectiveness of Thailand’s soft-power engagement therefore depends on policy-level coordination, two-way cultural exchange, and sensitivity to the sociocultural diversity of Lao society to ensure sustainable long-term cooperation.