BANGKOK (NNT) - United States Defense Secretary Gen Lloyd Austin has announced plans to visit Thailand to discuss further bilateral cooperation between the two nations, though the exact date has yet to be disclosed.

 

Observers expect that Gen Austin will want to discuss enhancing the Thai armed forces, as well as weapons and the defense industry.

 

Gen Austin met with Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha on May 12 during the ASEAN-U.S. Summit.

 

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According to Government Spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Gen Prayut and Gen Austin initially discussed ways to strengthen bilateral armed forces cooperation, military education and joint military exercises. The two parties hope to forge new alliances to combat cybercrime, increase defense industry cooperation and expand the role of the military in combating illegal fishing and human trafficking.

 

Thanakorn said Thailand is also supportive of U.S. efforts to highlight its increasing interaction and constructive engagement with countries in the region on the basis of mutual respect and trust.

 

Additionally, the spokesperson praised U.S. support for ASEAN centrality, a policy that emphasizes strengthening the group’s core values and cooperation in line with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-18

 

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Maybe he will visit the new 'consulate' in Chiang Mai during his trip?

Edited May 18, 20224 yr by ukrules

16 minutes ago, ukrules said:

Maybe he will visit the new 'consulate' in Chiang Mai during his trip?

It's definitely a consulate. No need for snarky quote marks. 

9 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

discuss enhancing the Thai armed forces, as well as weapons and the defense industry.

so that'll be another 6  F-35 fighter jets,  100 M1A2 Abram tanks and let's have 4 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters.  

Just send the bill over to our military headquarters .....

1 hour ago, steven100 said:

so that'll be another 6  F-35 fighter jets,  100 M1A2 Abram tanks and let's have 4 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters.  

Just send the bill over to our military headquarters .....

Yes, must have more arms to combat the pesky youths protesting this non-democratic gov. that loves to greet China and US with their hands out collecting from both.

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Observers expect that Gen Austin will want to discuss enhancing the Thai armed forces, as well as weapons and the defense industry.

Thailand doesn't need more defenses, it sits on the fence at the first sign of trouble.

Unless we're talking water canons to keep the streets clean?

Edited May 19, 20224 yr by hotchilli

Maybe he will try selling a slightly used former Air Force One plane to Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha so he will have something to jet around in.

Why make the visit!  give them nothing nor sell them any military equipment!  Will he have to apply for the Thailand Pass?  Does his visit mean something?????

8 hours ago, HaoleBoy said:

Yes, must have more arms to combat the pesky youths protesting this non-democratic gov. that loves to greet China and US with their hands out collecting from both.

The weapons are used for border surveillance and crowd control.