Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

A coalition of civil society groups held a protest outside the US embassy in Bangkok against a controversial memorandum of understanding (MoU) on rare earth supply chain cooperation. The demonstrators, led by Lertsak Khamkongsak, believe the deal threatens Thailand's sovereignty and environmental integrity. The MoU, signed at the recent Asean Summit in Malaysia, aims to diversify global critical minerals supply chains and promote investments.

 

The agreement has sparked fears that it could influence Thailand's foreign policy, shifting its stance closer to the United States and away from maintaining balance between major powers like the US and China. Environmentalists are worried about the potential ecological impacts of rare earth mining in Thailand. Lertsak emphasized that the MoU seems to prioritize US interests by using Thailand as a conduit for rare minerals from Myanmar and Laos, areas where China currently holds significant influence.

 

Critics argue that the MoU might permit the US to facilitate both legal and illegal mineral imports from neighboring countries, ignoring the detrimental effects on local communities and ecosystems. Lertsak highlighted that Thailand's own reserves of rare earth minerals are insufficient for profitable extraction, and the country lacks the capability to refine lithium to the required purity levels. He warned against Thailand becoming a ground for US-China rivalry over critical resources.

 

Moving forward, the coalition demands the withdrawal of the agreement, expressing concerns that it could significantly impact Thailand's diplomatic relationships and environmental health. The protest reflects deeper unease about how such international agreements are made and the stakeholders they benefit. The ongoing dialogue indicates that the situation may necessitate further discussions between the involved nations.

 

Key Takeaways

• The MoU is seen as a threat to Thailand's sovereignty and environment.
• Concerns about the US using Thailand for rare mineral transit from Laos and Myanmar.
• Protesters call for the US to withdraw from the agreement to avoid ecological harm.

 

Related Stories:

Anutin Downplays China Concerns Over US Rare - Earths Pact

Trump Signs Rare Earths Pact With Japan To Counter China’s Grip

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-10-31

 

 

Like it or not, the US is a much better partner than China. China wants to own Thailand. China sees Thailand as low down and "pathetic" as Laos adn Cambodia. And that's it a nutshell. 

24 minutes ago, Nabby said:

Like it or not, the US is a much better partner than China. China wants to own Thailand. China sees Thailand as low down and "pathetic" as Laos adn Cambodia. And that's it a nutshell. 

Yes, especially so reliably

56 minutes ago, Nabby said:

Like it or not, the US is a much better partner than China. China wants to own Thailand. China sees Thailand as low down and "pathetic" as Laos adn Cambodia. And that's it a nutshell. 

 

And the US doesn't????

The Donald knows best what's good for Thailand. Now shut up, dear Thai activists. 

Historically it's been a good bet to side with the US instead of China. But the circus clown has ruined all that by making America a very unreliable and very untrustworthy ally. Current US policy is driving many nations toward China and Trump continues to be a wet dream for Xi and the CCP. With friends like America, who needs enemies? 

1 hour ago, ujayujay said:

Yes, especially so reliably

Or definitely sell yourself to China. Take your pic. 

1 hour ago, LukKrueng said:

 

And the US doesn't????

Whataboutism. You're likely a wumao, as that "whataboutisms" are the extent of their debating skills. The US has no intention of taking over Thailand. However, China wants the whole of Southeast Asia, including Thailand. But you know that, wumao. 

NEVER TRUST TRUMP 

Thais should have learned this lesson by now.

1 hour ago, Caldera said:

The Donald knows best what's good for Thailand. Now shut up, dear Thai activists. 

Which Thai activists are you referring to?

 

3 hours ago, Nabby said:

Like it or not, the US is a much better partner than China. China wants to own Thailand. China sees Thailand as low down and "pathetic" as Laos adn Cambodia. And that's it a nutshell. 

Nail on the head

And the Thai Gov't is broke and needs $$$ from anywhere.

I wonder who's paying these protesters, and how much?

 

23 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

rare earth supply chain

 

Mining by the Chinese across the border in Burma is already polluting the Kok River in Chiang Rai Province so will mining within Thailand start polluting many of its own rivers? It is about MONEY with no concern for environmental impact.

 

Photo of rare earth mine in Burma's Kachin State

 

47 minutes ago, impulse said:

I wonder who's paying these protesters, and how much?

 

Wonder if any of our dear friends on here from the left will be joining in with the protesters…

6 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Historically it's been a good bet to side with the US instead of China. But the circus clown has ruined all that by making America a very unreliable and very untrustworthy ally. Current US policy is driving many nations toward China and Trump continues to be a wet dream for Xi and the CCP. With friends like America, who needs enemies? 

hard to believe you got likes for this comment. We all know your hate for Trump. But this deal really has nothing to do with Trump except that he initiated the deal. It takes years to get mineral deposits set-uo to be extracted. The off chance that Trump is anywhere near the WH when shipments began are slim at best. Stp thinking with your hatred and start thinking things like this apply to a future without Trump in charge. 

The problem is that when a country turns against its trade partners, it is hard to believe they won't let you down again.

Thailand should do a deal with Canada instead !

Show The US how US it is  !