Picture courtesy of The Thaiger

The US intervention in Venezuela is causing ripples across global oil markets and the Thai economy. Nonarit Bisonyabut from the Thailand Development Research Institute claims this action reflects a renewed Monroe Doctrine, placing the Americas under US dominance. China's significant investments in Latin America now pose potential threats to US interests.

We anticipate short-term fluctuations in global oil prices, but a major spike is unlikely due to supply surpassing demand. Nonarit emphasises that US global leadership aspirations will maintain the dollar's strength, suppressing the baht's potential appreciation. As the US focuses on Venezuela, Thailand might find room to address regional issues, such as the Thai-Cambodian border tension and trade negotiations with the US.

Aat Pisanwanich, an international economics expert, warns of potential shifts in oil prices with the US taking over Venezuela's oil sector. Initial production increases are expected, leading to short-term price volatility. However, a downward trend is predicted after a year due to OPEC's current output levels.

China’s disapproval is anticipated since its companies are major stakeholders in Venezuela's oil exports. This situation could trigger further trade conflicts between China and the US. For Thailand, neutrality remains crucial, but it must diversify energy sources and secure new markets to mitigate geopolitical risks.

Economic policies must delicately balance the US-Thai relationship, avoiding conflicts on sensitive matters like oil procurement from non-friendly states. Thailand is urged to seek alternative oil sources, possibly from African nations, to navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape, reported the Bangkok Post.

Key Takeaways

• US intervention in Venezuela could affect global oil prices and Thai baht.

• Short-term oil price volatility is expected; long-term trends predict a decline.

• Thailand needs to diversify energy sources and manage geopolitical risks.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-01-06

 

 

Good news bad news.

Bad - don't like this move back to US imperialism.

Good - stronger dollar puts more cash in my pocket.

Boy, we could really use a Trump invasion of Thailand..

If it would cause the baht to fall, I would be all for it...

Trump could claim to be fighting the war on drugs and take out all the weed shops...

And Mr. Trump make a total arse out of himself again, and again, and again............

33 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

And Mr. Trump make a total arse out of himself again, and again, and again............

And yet he is where he is.

VERY sad statement of affairs.

3 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

And yet he is where he is.

VERY sad statement of affairs.

Yeah, unfortunately it seems like the US people have given up.

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Nonarit emphasises that US global leadership aspirations will maintain the dollar's strength, suppressing the baht's potential appreciation.

So here is somebody, from the wording, who does indeed want a stronger baht. Suspect that this is the official attitude as well--they don't want their strong baht "suppressed."

Pingpong Is eyeing Taiwan. Putsey invades Ukraine. The big GINGE doesn't like the idea of being left out and want's Iceland.

It really is a MAD, MAD world!

On 1/6/2026 at 8:20 AM, Gottfrid said:

And Mr. Trump make a total arse out of himself again, and again, and again............

I have the opposite opinion... Trump is the only one setting things right...

On 1/6/2026 at 2:59 AM, John Drake said:

So here is somebody, from the wording, who does indeed want a stronger baht. Suspect that this is the official attitude as well--they don't want their strong baht "suppressed."

True.They talk about the baht everyday even they have priced themselves out about exports.

The main goal is to manipulate the baht whatever happens around the world..new excuses everytime.