If you read the article you linked you will see that it was the F35 that the US denied and in it's place they offered the F16 among other options;
"The U.S. has reportedly offered to sell Thailand its Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 and Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighters instead of the F-35, although the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) may opt instead for another fleet of Saab Gripen fighters."
From the OP;
"Despite a competitive offer including a low-interest loan from the US government, the RTAF has favoured the Gripen, highlighting its shorter runway requirements and advanced features as pivotal advantages."