2 hours ago, Hanuman2547 said:

The last thing Thailand needs is to have the US military operating bases in Thailand.  

Just rumors and I agree that it’s not needed. However there are positive results of past US military presence in Thailand.

Source: https://letsgopattaya.com/pattaya-history/

The Pattaya history books show that over a period of time Pattaya became a small fishing village, and remained this way for a long time. In fact the history of Pattaya shows that it wasn’t until the 29th April 1961 when the first small group of American serviceman arrived, that Pattaya was changed forever. On this day a few transport trucks arrived from a base in Nakhon Ratchasima, they were loaded with American G.I’s who were here fighting the Vietnam War. These Americans were in search of rest and relaxation, and Pattaya provided them with that. Upon their return to base, word quickly spread about the great time they had in Pattaya, and how friendly the residents were. After this periodically a new group of Americans would arrive with plenty of money to spend, sometimes even from the Naval base in Sattahip, it was at this point that the small village of Pattaya started to make plans to cater for the Americans every need.

This was the birth of Pattaya as we know it today!

As time went on and more fishermen’s huts were replaced with hotels and other accommodation, the fishing boats began to be used for day trips for the tourists. More restaurants and bars slowly started to open, and the beaches began to be frequented by holidaymakers looking for a good time. The nightlife in Pattaya also began to change, with Go-Go bars and entertainment venues opening, fun times were here to stay. Before long this backwater tiny fishing village became an international tourist destination.

5 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Just say no to American arrogance, massive self importance, hubris, ridiculousness and petty threats. Deny America. Deny Trump. Isolate the US and make the world a better place. 

Hey Mike, maybe you missed this activity in the South China Sea, which reminds me to ask Trump to rename it...

https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/territorial-disputes-south-china-sea

Wonder if next you'll be hailing the Houthis and Iranians in their pursuit of making the world a better place and protecting sea lanes.
 

2 minutes ago, Donga said:

Hey Mike, maybe you missed this activity in the South China Sea, which reminds me to ask Trump to rename it...

https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/territorial-disputes-south-china-sea

Wonder if next you'll be hailing the Houthis and Iranians in their pursuit of making the world a better place and protecting sea lanes.
 

Criticism of Trump policy is expressly forbidden, and could be punishable by various government agencies working on behalf of the American royals. Don't dare to express your opinion, be a good boy and stay quiet. 

2 hours ago, ujayujay said:

The entire ASEAN alliance should definitely join the BRICS association and focus more on regional Asian trade and consider a free trade agreement with the EU and the other European states in order to get rid of this scourge of Trump!

They all seem to be heading in that direction, with a great deal of encouragement by Trump. 

53 minutes ago, The Cyclist said:

 

Odd comment

 

There are other threads where America and Trump are getting castigated for not doing enough for Ukraine.

 

Not forgetting that Taiwan is still Taiwan and not China, due to America.

 

And should a large unpleasantness kick off, guess who the World will be looking for to take the lead.

 

Careful what you wish for, springs to mind.

 

Best not to mention the Americans, who were full of their self importance and arrogant to a fault, under the Obama Administration.

And now you going to tell us that Trump is bringing humility to another level and treating the world with a great deal of kindness and respect. 

1 minute ago, spidermike007 said:

And now you going to tell us that Trump is bringing humility to another level and treating the world with a great deal of kindness and respect. 

 

I'm not going to try and tell you anything.

 

I'm pointing out the hypocrisy and why Trump is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.

 

And surely Americans not coming home in boxes, bits missing or broken brains, from overseas lands is to be applauded, not derided.

5 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Just say no to American arrogance, massive self importance, hubris, ridiculousness and petty threats. Deny America. Deny Trump. Isolate the US and make the world a better place. 

Yes! Thailand can do that easily.  But would it really want to?

Norsurin. Would you please explain what you are trying to say. Suggest you use spell check and proof read your own posts.

59 minutes ago, RethairedJarhead said:

Just rumors and I agree that it’s not needed. However there are positive results of past US military presence in Thailand.

Source: https://letsgopattaya.com/pattaya-history/

The Pattaya history books show that over a period of time Pattaya became a small fishing village, and remained this way for a long time. In fact the history of Pattaya shows that it wasn’t until the 29th April 1961 when the first small group of American serviceman arrived, that Pattaya was changed forever. On this day a few transport trucks arrived from a base in Nakhon Ratchasima, they were loaded with American G.I’s who were here fighting the Vietnam War. These Americans were in search of rest and relaxation, and Pattaya provided them with that. Upon their return to base, word quickly spread about the great time they had in Pattaya, and how friendly the residents were. After this periodically a new group of Americans would arrive with plenty of money to spend, sometimes even from the Naval base in Sattahip, it was at this point that the small village of Pattaya started to make plans to cater for the Americans every need.

This was the birth of Pattaya as we know it today!

As time went on and more fishermen’s huts were replaced with hotels and other accommodation, the fishing boats began to be used for day trips for the tourists. More restaurants and bars slowly started to open, and the beaches began to be frequented by holidaymakers looking for a good time. The nightlife in Pattaya also began to change, with Go-Go bars and entertainment venues opening, fun times were here to stay. Before long this backwater tiny fishing village became an international tourist destination.

You seem to me like a missionary who wants to teach the missionary position to those to be converted. Call it what it is, during the Vietnam War Pattaya served as a brothel for the GIs and today it is not far from that...you are proud of that?......Damnably!

11 hours ago, webfact said:

........much like their arrangements at Sattahip and U-tapao in eastern Thailand.........

Both funded by US taxpayers.....😀

5 hours ago, RethairedJarhead said:

You are extremely talented at painting broad strokes of provocative opinion toward the people of America as if we are all of a single disposition. Your choice to repeatedly spout off hate solidifies a willing display of ignorance. Perhaps you could do better to inquire versus appear to have all the answers...

As long as a stupid uneducated majority stands behind the incalculable orange, isolation is a way to halfway ignore the Idi@t. Fortunately, not all Americans are rednecks, there are also many who assess the situation correctly.

7 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

There is enough of those people here already... We do not need more.

Right on, just what we need is more "RUSSIANS!"

3 hours ago, thongplay said:

Yeah, much better to cuddle up to China.

yes

1 hour ago, TigerandDog said:

yanks don't live in our minds rent free. The majority of yanks, especially the dumb uneducated ones (Chump and his cult followers) show us daily how much they all live in the American bubble, while the rest of the world laughs at their never ending stupidity. 

Most rednecks that voted for the vile orange blob wouldn't even know where Thailand is because most haven't ever crossed the county line.

 

Let alone know anything about the rest of the world, hillbilly voters with no education, perfect for the man baby and his corrupt family and the corrupt GOP

1 hour ago, Dan747 said:

Right on, just what we need is more "RUSSIANS!"

Yeah Ruskies go ok... Even more India peeps would be better than them Yankees.

22 hours ago, John Drake said:

I think the Thais made this up in order to soften the public perception of failure when they get loaded up first with 36 percent tariffs and then another 20 percent on top of that for applying for BRICS

Exactly.  Well said.

22 hours ago, NoDisplayName said:

Surely the country knows how it's done.

 

Tell Trump he hansum man, and make a deal for a 320-meter Trump tower in central Bangkok.

or

tell Trump he hansum man, and make a deal for a 320-meter Trump statue in central Bangkok.

Dear Thailand...DO NOT ALLOW THE US MILITARY anywhere near Thailand. They will start colonizing you and taking control of everything here and you will never get rid of them.

Thailand never got reprimanded for passive assistance in the Vietnam War theatre. All the infrastructure in Northeastern Thailand, called Isan, be it the "Friendship Highway Number 2", the airports of Korat, Ubol Ratchathani, Nakhon Phanom, Sakhon Nakorn, Udon Thani as well as peripheral aerodromes of Thakli, U Tapao and the extension of Don Muang ...... all American-paid and built military infrastructure.
How the the Americans reach Afghanistan without an intermediate stop in U Tapao; where to thousands of US sailors empty their pockets and sack when aircraft carriers berth in the Bay of Sin - called Laemchabang near ..... yes, you guessed it, Pattaya. 

Trump has to cover up the absolute inefficiency and non-competitiveness of the US industry which, over decades, resulted in trade imbalances; in the case of Thailand it is a "mere" USD 45 billion yearly in favour of Thailand. Less food stamps, less US constitutional rights, less buffalo manure and back to work 45 hours like some European countries. 

America wants to slap 36% protective duty on Thai products imported into the US? Tell Uncle Sam to stick it up theirs with their Air Force, Navy and other war games as far as Thailand is concerned and you will see absolute miracles happening in 24 hours.

But it takes skilled negotiation abilities, a poker face and a united government behind such negotiators and regretfully Thailand lacks absolutely everything necessary for such a verbal thug-of-war. 

The losers at the shorter end of the stick = the lowlifes, farmers in Isan, unskilled slaves of Thailand's 21st century economy miracle! Shame on all those in power ..... really! 

American don't need a base here in Thailand,  Since Obama 2008, they have been talking about a base!  Continue the Tariffs!  

5 hours ago, Brn2Trvl said:

Dear Thailand...DO NOT ALLOW THE US MILITARY anywhere near Thailand. They will start colonizing you and taking control of everything here and you will never get rid of them.

 

Signed,

Xi Jinping

Everything turns political with these comments. 

 

When was the last time a Politician listened and acted on your request?  That wasn't support by thousands of similar requests?

 

When did they return your call to discuss a topic?

 

When did they use your knowledge and phone call, or email to add a change to a new bill or law?

 

Crickets, yeah I thought. Some things you can control, somethings are out of your control.  Politics are definitely out of our control.

Thailand wants to run their country according to the culture, traditions and beliefs of the Thai people.

 

Thailand sees little benefit from doing business exclusively with ANY country.  Thailand wants to find a way to do business with most countries as it is the PEOPLE of a foreign country who benefits first.

 

Our brains are designed to simplify and attempt to comprehend things in a simple view.  Makes a decision that is emotional, based on does anothers support (friend) or conflicting actions or views.

 

Thailand probably thinks if the US wants to use Thailands territorial waters or dock a ship then Call or message and ask.  Today may be okay.  Next month it may cause conflict with the neighbors.  

 

You build a base, sign a long term agreement and then that countries leadership changes and Hosting their Military causes harm, conflict, and financial losses to Thailand that's a problem.  Look at Covid, Thai people can and will survive with very little for many years.  They can suffer and sacrifice a little to be happy, keep their culture and customs unchanged.

On 7/14/2025 at 4:20 AM, snoop1130 said:

Photo courtesy of Thai Newsroom

 

Amid rising tensions, Thai officials are resisting US tariff cut talks linked to potential military bases, a decision urging caution.

 

In a recent development, the Thai government is under pressure regarding a substantial 36 percent US tariff on Thai goods, set to begin on 1st August. Concerns have intensified over a rumoured proposal allowing the US to establish a military base in Thailand as a bargaining chip for reducing these tariffs.

 

Nantiwat Samart, a former secretary to the Foreign Ministry, expressed his disapproval in a Facebook post titled “Oppose Foreign Military Base.” He urged Thailand not to risk entanglement in international conflicts by succumbing to military base demands. “Don’t expect to gain from negotiating the Trump tariff,” he stated, noting a global shift towards divided alliances. He highlighted Indonesia’s similar dilemma, with pressure to exit the BRICS economic group for tariff alleviation.

 

Critics warn against bowing to so-called “extreme Western fanatics” advocating for a shift towards Western democracy as a means for economic relief. Nantiwat referenced Japan and South Korea—Western-style democracies still facing high tariffs—to emphasise the lack of guaranteed benefits.

 

He advised the Thai government to brace for economic impacts, proposing initiatives to shield businesses and reduce living costs, such as lowering fuel and electricity prices.

 

Sutin Wannabovorn, a former foreign correspondent, echoed concerns, mentioning speculation that one condition for reducing tariffs might involve the US using Tab Lamu Naval Base in Phang Nga Province to counterbalance China’s naval influence. Wannabovorn called for government transparency on this matter.

 

Simultaneously, Indonesia remains resolute in its BRICS membership despite additional US tariff threats, as reported by the Jakarta Globe. President Trump’s imposition of a cumulative 20 percent tariff targets BRICS members promoting “anti-American policies,” notably their shift towards local currency usage over the US dollar, known as dedollarisation.

 

Indonesia’s commitment to BRICS aligns with recent entry as its 10th member, accepting potential economic repercussions. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated Jakarta’s readiness to face the consequences, underlining the geopolitical tensions at play.

 

As the August deadline approaches, the focus remains on how these economic and strategic decisions will unfold, with Thailand weighing its options carefully to maintain sovereignty and economic stability.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-07-14

 

 

I'm taking bets now - how long before Thailand is an occupied territory? I'm betting 2027. China or the USA WILL occupy Thailand. Sorry lads. Still tell all the SAS chaps you know to head to America and claim asylum from prosecution. New high security jobs opening soon by the hundreds.