Thai Gov Rejects Claims of Using US Military Alliance in Tariff Talks

Thai Government Rejects Claims of Using US Military Alliance in Tariff Talks

The Thai government has denied reports that it plans to use its longstanding military relationship with the United States as bargaining power in ongoing trade negotiations. A foreign media report claimed Bangkok was considering reducing defence cooperation, including participation in the Cobra Gold military exercise, if Washington raised tariffs on Thai goods above 19%. Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek rejected the suggestion, saying trade and national defence are handled through separate frameworks and would not be traded against one another. Thailand has already proposed economic measures aimed at easing trade tensions, including lower tariffs on selected American agricultural products and tighter enforcement against forced labour in export supply chains. Officials said scheduled military cooperation with the United States, including future Cobra Gold exercises, will continue under existing defence agreements.