Thailand has received no direct assistance from the United States as it struggles with the economic fallout of the American-Israeli war against Iran, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said in an interview on April 27, 2026. The conflict has driven up fuel and fertiliser costs, placing significant strain on the Thai economy and its agricultural sector. In response, Thailand is turning to Russia and China for support.
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The war, has disrupted global energy and supply chains, with Asia particularly affected due to its reliance on Middle Eastern fuel and fertiliser. Prices for urea fertiliser have nearly doubled, impacting more than 10 million Thai farmers, while diesel prices in Thailand reached historic highs. Efforts to secure supplies have included a visit by Thailand’s agriculture minister to Moscow and attempts to procure Russian crude, though concerns over US sanctions have slowed progress.
Sihasak said the only gesture from Washington was President Donald Trump’s suggestion that countries purchase American oil and gas. He added that US officials had not engaged directly with Thailand to offer support despite being aware of the consequences. Thailand has also sought assistance from China, including help to secure safe passage for eight Thai vessels stranded near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route affected by blockades and military risks.
The situation has been compounded by ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping remains hazardous despite a mid-April ceasefire. In March, a Thai-flagged vessel, the Mayuree Naree, was struck by Iranian missiles while transiting the area, killing three crew members. Sihasak said investigations into the incident are ongoing, noting conflicting accounts over whether the vessel had clearance to pass.
Sihasak expressed concern over what he described as unpredictable US policy, suggesting that shifting objectives in the conflict have added to uncertainty among allies. He also pointed to broader US actions, including tariffs and cuts to aid programmes, as factors forcing Thailand to reconsider its international partnerships. While he stopped short of directly criticising Washington, he said the war “should not have taken place”.
The Washington Post reported that Thailand continues diplomatic efforts to secure safe shipping routes and stabilise supply chains. Sihasak recently travelled to Oman to advocate for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz but indicated pessimism about the prospects. As the conflict persists, Thailand faces mounting economic pressure and a need to diversify its strategic relationships.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Washingtonpost & Bangkokpost 29 Apr 2026