The government spokesperson confirmed that Thailand will not use military cooperation as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations with the United States, emphasizing that all negotiations will prioritize the country’s and people’s interests.
Ms. Rachada Thanadirek, the spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, clarified that reports from some foreign news agencies stating that the Thai government is preparing to use security and military cooperation as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations with the United States are not true and do not reflect the Thai government’s policy.
The government spokesperson stated that trade negotiations with the United States are based on the economic interests of the country, fairness, and trade balance. The government will carefully consider proposals, especially their impact on farmers, entrepreneurs, the production sector, and the Thai people, and seek mutually beneficial and fair agreements for both parties.
At the same time, security and military cooperation between Thailand and the United States is a long-standing relationship based on mutual security interests. Various cooperations, including joint exercises such as Cobra Gold, will continue according to the established framework and plan, and will not be linked as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations.
Regarding the Cobra Gold 27 exercise, it will be held for the 46th time as part of the six-year exercise plan from 2025 to 2030, with 31 countries participating to enhance capabilities and prepare for traditional and new threats such as cyber and space. Next month, a mid-term planning session will be held in Hawaii to prepare for the March exercise next year, which will remain intense and expand its scope.
“Thailand and the United States have a broad and deep relationship in various dimensions, including economics, trade, security, and people-to-people relations. Each aspect has its own framework and national interests that must be carefully considered. The government will not use one aspect of the country’s interests to trade for another,” Ms. Rachada said.
Read the original news: