For the third year since the 2014 coup, the junta government will continue to assure foreign entities of how democracy will be restored to the country via their designated “road map”.

A crucial landmark will be the general election, currently planned for late next year.

As the junta has yet to lift a number of suppressions against civilians, especially regarding political rights and expressions, its continual work to legitimise such actions can be expected. This will include responses, notably from the US, the European Union and the United Nations.-

The defence will involve not only protecting the country image but also maintaining national benefits in the global arena. Alleged labour abuses in the Thai fishery industry remain a concern for the EU, which gave the alarming yellow-card status to the Kingdom almost two years ago. The authorities are scheduled to provide updates on the issue in Europe in January.

Aviation safety standards, meanwhile, are also a major concern as the country committed to re-certify 28 airlines required by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The organisation will examine Thailand’s aviation standards in the middle of the year.

Regarding the US, there is speculation the States’ signature liberal approach might be altered under a Donald Trump presidency. Some progress on bilateral trade deals are also anticipated. However, clear directions will be spelled out once Trump takes office in January, when key officials including the secretary of state will be appointed. Trump has yet to address this, including Asean-US affairs.

Regardless of possible policy changes, the US State Department will continue issuing its annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices and Trafficking in Persons. For human right trafficking, the US this year elevated Thailand’s status from the lowest Tier 3 to the Tier 2 watch list. The Kingdom will aim to at least maintain that status next year.

As an Asean-EU coordinator, the country also has an obligation to carry out Asean affairs, with the EU caring greatly about human rights practices when dealing with countries in the region. As an immediate neighbour, Thailand needs to help Myanmar and Asean deal with the Rohingya crisis.

The communal conflict in Myanmar spilled over the region as thousands of Muslim Rohingya fled the difficulties at home and arrived in other Asean countries, including Thailand. A recent meeting in Myanmar seemed to indicate no quick way out of the crisis.