Thailand Won't Link Defense Ties to Trade Talks, PM Tells US

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told a senior US defense official on Thursday that Thailand will not use defense cooperation with the United States as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations, as the two countries seek to strengthen their 193-year alliance. Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, held talks with Elbridge Colby, US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, at Government House in Bangkok on Thursday afternoon during Colby's first official visit to Thailand. Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said Anutin welcomed Colby and highlighted the positive development of Thai-US relations. The prime minister stressed that security cooperation is a key pillar of the longstanding bilateral relationship, but said Thailand does not have a policy of linking defense cooperation to trade negotiations. "Trade and security discussions proceed on the basis of mutual interests and through the relevant mechanisms for each area," Anutin said, according to the government. Anutin highlighted the 193-year history of Thai-US military ties, saying the alliance has benefited both countries and contributed to peace, security and stability in the region. He called for the two countries to strengthen their alliance in response to a changing international environment and emerging security threats. Colby described Thailand as an important US ally and said Washington places strategic importance on the region and on working with countries that share common principles and goals for maintaining regional peace and security. He reaffirmed the US commitment to strengthening security cooperation with Thailand to address increasingly complex challenges and a rapidly changing security environment. The two sides agreed to deepen security cooperation, including efforts to strengthen their ability to respond to modern security challenges, modernize Thailand's armed forces and expand defense industry cooperation. Anutin also raised cooperation against transnational crime, referring to his meeting with FBI Director Kash Patel in July. The two sides discussed strengthening law enforcement cooperation, particularly efforts to prevent and combat transnational crime in the region. On the Thailand-Cambodia border situation, Anutin thanked US President Donald Trump for his constructive role in supporting efforts to ease tensions. He reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to international law, good-neighborly relations and a peaceful resolution through bilateral mechanisms, including implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Accords. On trade, Anutin reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to concluding an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the United States as soon as possible. He said Thailand was ready to continue its long-standing relationship with the US and further strengthen the alliance, while expanding cooperation that benefits people in both countries and promoting regional peace, security and stability.