Thailand Deepens US Defense Ties While Maintaining Neutrality

Neutral foreign policy unchanged PUBLISHED : 8 Jul 2026 at 05:31 NEWSPAPER SECTION: News WRITER: Poramet Tangsathaporn Thailand seeks to deepen defence, cybersecurity and academic cooperation with the United States while maintaining its neutral foreign policy and supporting a peaceful, rules-based Indo-Pacific, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow told reporters during an official visit to Hawaii on Monday. Mr Sihasak was visiting the United States from July 5-7 at the invitation of Admiral Samuel J Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command. The trip aims to strengthen Thailand-US defence and security cooperation, exchange views on regional and global developments, and address emerging security challenges. He said Thailand recognises the growing importance of national defence and military readiness as conflicts intensify worldwide, while stressing the need for all parties to work together to preserve peace and stability, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Describing the region as the centre of the global economy, he said Asean, China and the United States all have vital roles in maintaining regional security. "The United States plays an important role in maintaining the regional balance of power. It also recognises Thailand as its oldest security ally in Asia," he said, noting that bilateral cooperation has evolved beyond its Cold War focus on containing communism. Mr Sihasak reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to a rules-based international order and multilateralism, saying that Bangkok hopes strategic competition between the United States and China remains peaceful and stable, as relations between the two powers are critical to global and regional security. "Our position is to uphold international law and the rules-based order. We will not take sides, but will strengthen Thailand and Asean so they can navigate major-power competition while maintaining balanced relations with both the United States and China," he said. Thailand and the United States are also expanding cybersecurity cooperation, particularly to combat online scam networks, he said. While Thailand has no intention of threatening other countries, the military must continue modernising its capabilities to safeguard national sovereignty, he said. The United States remains a key defence partner and a major source of military equipment, with procurement plans covering the army, navy and air force. Mr Sihasak was also scheduled to meet the chairperson of the East-West Centre to explore new areas of Thailand-US cooperation in response to evolving global challenges. He acknowledged that bilateral ties had cooled during periods of Thailand's domestic political uncertainty. Still, he said the country's improved political environment and more active international engagement provide an opportunity to reinvigorate the longstanding partnership. Mr Sihasak said he hoped the visit would deepen the US understanding of Thailand's regional role and strengthen bilateral ties despite differences on some issues.