Abstract
This research note analyses China’s Great Western Development Strategy, or the so-called “Go-West” policy, launched in 2000, and its implications for Thailand. Under this regional economic development policy, the Chinese Government has intensified its efforts to accelerate the development of its inner western region. Thailand’s geographical proximity to China’s western provinces provides it with a geo-economic advantage. The study suggests that Thailand should place priority on developing economic linkages with the growing southwestern provinces of Sichuan, Chongqing Municipality, Yunnan, and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.