Thailand rejects US military-for-trade claims

Thailand has denied foreign media reports that it intends to use security and military cooperation with the United States as leverage in trade negotiations.

Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said on 12 August 2026 that the claim was untrue and did not represent government policy. She said talks with Washington were being conducted on the basis of Thailand's economic interests, fairness and balanced trade.

The government will examine proposals carefully, particularly their effects on farmers, businesses, manufacturing and the wider Thai public, while seeking agreements that give both sides appropriate and fair benefits, Ratchada said.

Military ties remain under existing plans

Ratchada said Thailand's security and military relationship with the US was longstanding and founded on shared security interests.

Cooperation, including the annual Cobra Gold military exercise, would continue under existing frameworks and plans, she said. It would not be connected to trade negotiations or used as a bargaining condition.

The 46th Cobra Gold exercise is included in a six-year training plan covering 2025 to 2030 and will involve 31 countries. It is intended to strengthen capabilities and prepare participants for traditional and emerging threats, including cyber and space-related threats.

An intermediate planning session is due to take place in Hawaii in September ahead of the exercise scheduled for March 2027. Ratchada said Cobra Gold would remain intensive while its scope expanded.

"Thailand and the US have broad and deep relations across many dimensions, including the economy, trade, security and people-to-people ties," Ratchada said.

"Each issue has its own framework and national interests that must be carefully considered. The government will not use one area of the country's interests to exchange for another."

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13 August 2026

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