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.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)