Impact of the Kra Canal on Singapore's Security
Abstract
The idea of constructing the Kra Canal through the narrow Kra Isthmus of Thailand has been around for almost 350 years. Recent Chinese interest in funding and building the canal has reignited discussion of its potential impacts for the region. Singapore, which benefits significantly from its strategic position along one of the busiest trading routes in the world through the Straits of Malacca, potentially has the most to lose from the canal's construction. While some studies have attempted to quantify the canal's economic impact on Singapore, none have explored the potential security impact that it may have. Using the US Army's Risk Management framework, this thesis attempts to measure the impact of the Kra Canal's construction on Singapore's security in three subsidiary research areas: (1) impact to Singapore's geopolitical strength; (2) unique implications of a Chinese-funded Kra Canal; and (3) potential for the intensification of the terrorist threat against Singapore should the separatist conflict in southern Thailand be internationalised. This thesis finds that the Kra Canal is likely to pose a medium risk to Singapore's security, in particular to Singapore's ability to pursue her strategic interests without fear of external coercion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 12, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1124666
Entities
People
- Chieh Shiung Wayne Ho
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College