Thailand's biggest opposition party made a rare public show of friendliness toward Taiwan, a positive sign for Taipei but one that risks annoying Beijing.

• People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut posted that he had dinner with Taiwan's top representative in Thailand.
• Publicizing a one-on-one meeting like this is unusual — past contacts were limited to public events and kept quiet.
• Taiwan's office in Bangkok said both sides talked freely about Taiwan-related topics and welcomed more contact with Thai groups.
• The People's Party won 120 seats in February's election, making it the largest opposition force behind the ruling Bhumjaithai party.
• With Prime Minister Anutin leaning toward China, a pro-Taiwan, pro-US stance gives Thai voters a clear alternative.

Outlook: Expect the People's Party to keep pressing on China-linked crime networks and to court Taiwan more openly, even at the cost of friction with Beijing.