Thailand Denies Linking Military Ties to US Trade Talks

Bangkok — August 12, 2026. Thailand's government has rejected reports by some foreign media outlets that it plans to use security and military cooperation with the United States as leverage in trade negotiations, saying the claim is untrue and does not reflect government policy.

Ratchada Thanadirek, a government spokesperson, said on August 12 that Thailand's trade negotiations with the US are based on the country's economic interests, fairness and balanced trade. The government will carefully consider proposals, particularly their impact on farmers, businesses, the manufacturing sector and the Thai public, while seeking agreements that provide appropriate and fair benefits to both sides, she said.

Ratchada said security and military cooperation between Thailand and the US is a longstanding relationship based on shared security interests. Cooperation, including the annual Cobra Gold military exercise, will continue under existing frameworks and plans and will not be tied to trade negotiations as a bargaining condition.

The 46th Cobra Gold exercise is scheduled under the six-year training plan for 2025-2030, with 31 countries taking part. The exercise is aimed at strengthening capabilities and preparing for both traditional and emerging threats, including cyber and space-related threats. An intermediate planning session will be held in Hawaii in September to prepare for the exercise scheduled for March 2027. The exercise will remain intensive while expanding its scope, Ratchada said.

"Thailand and the US have broad and deep relations across many dimensions, including the economy, trade, security and people-to-people ties," she said. "Each issue has its own framework and national interests that must be carefully considered. The government will not use one area of the country's interests to exchange for another."