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

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I can't remember that another country was given aid by the US because of this war. It sounds a bit strange too as every country that is affected by the war got help. Thailand seems to sell theirselves to China and Russia, which could become serious problems in the future.

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Thailand has received no direct assistance from the United States as it struggles with the economic fallout of the American-Israeli war against Iran

More winning by the American administration -- what was once the best ally for the Americans in the whole region (Vietnam war anyone) and right at the doorstep to China (and thus efficiently blocking China's expansion into the Indian ocean) is mistreated like any other ally the USA ever had in their history.

Good luck then that the USA neither needs allies nor friends in this complicated world and can go it all alone.

I am sure even this will be cheered on by the usual pro-Trump suspects. As I am not sitting in their boat, but am in the position of comfortable observer, I am allowing myself a good bit of Schadenfreude seeing the Americans implode on their own stupidity.

Thailand's response to the actions of the insane demented American president sound entirely rational.

When Trump's advice is basically just 'buy American oil (which isn't exactly easy given the shipping logistics right now), it’s only natural the government looks to others.

We’ve already seen reports of Russian urea and crude deals being fast-tracked for May, and Anutin was just in talks with Wang Yi to get China to mediate with Iran for safe passage.

Pragmatism wins every time in this part of the world.

The real question is how this affects the relationship with the US long-term. If Russia and China are the ones keeping things running, then Trump's suggestion is going to look pretty thin.

Thailand Seeks New Partners as US Withholds Help

"To be an enemy of America can be dangerous, but to be a friend is fatal."
-Henry Kissinger

21 minutes ago, connda said:

Thailand Seeks New Partners as US Withholds Help

"To be an enemy of America can be dangerous, but to be a friend is fatal."
-Henry Kissinger

"America has no permanent friends or enemies, only interests"

1 hour ago, Jim Waldron said:

When Trump's advice is basically just 'buy American oil (which isn't exactly easy given the shipping logistics right now), it’s only natural the government looks to others.

Oil tankers from the US to Thailand don't have to pass the strait of Hormuz, so I don't see the issue with logistics.

But it becomes clearer by the day that the only goal for Trump's warmongering is to eliminate the competition.

He's also criticizing OPEC, which are supposed to be his best friends.

At the end of the day it probably will all bite the US in the rectum.

Edited April 29Apr 29 by CallumWK

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

Thailand's response to the actions of the insane demented American president sound entirely rational.

Other than expecting some special treatment from the USA maybe? After all, many other countries are in a similarly bad position.

Thailand (ab)used so many countries similar to tourists from countries that they must have ran out at this point. That's what happens if you eat from every cake and never take sides on top of all other things.

Edited April 29Apr 29 by ChaiyaTH

3 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

I can't remember that another country was given aid by the US because of this war. It sounds a bit strange too as every country that is affected by the war got help. Thailand seems to sell theirselves to China and Russia, which could become serious problems in the future.

The whole world is getting less dependent on the US. Why should that cause serious problems for Thailand? Seems to me this was long overdue.

12 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

Oil tankers from the US to Thailand don't have to pass the strait of Hormuz, so I don't see the issue with logistics.

The Middle East (where most of Thailand's oil comes from) is much closer than the US. Tankers only need to cross the Indian Ocean and transit the Strait of Malacca.

Very Large Crude Carriers (the primary vessels used for long-haul US routes) are too large for the Panama Canal and would have to sail around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.

The two most evil countries on the planet are the US and Israeli.

Unfortunately, even if both were gone today, it is likely still too late to reverse what is coming in the future that will prove to be apocalyptic and it won't be long to see if I'm right.