Nation Thailand
Thailand Denies Using US Military Ties as Trade Bargaining Chip
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A government spokesperson denies foreign media reports that Bangkok plans to leverage defence ties, including Cobra Gold, in US tariff talks.
Key facts
- Thailand, which held a $51.4 billion trade surplus with the US in 2025, has been seeking to cap tariffs under 19 per cent.
- The Thai government has firmly rejected foreign media reports alleging that Bangkok plans to leverage its long-standing military and security alliance with the United States as a bargaining chip in upcoming bilateral trade negotiations.
- Marking its 46th iteration, the exercise forms part of a six-year training framework spanning 2025 to 2030, with 31 participating nations set to conduct joint drills across conventional, cyber, and space warfare domains.
- A mid-planning conference is scheduled to take place in Hawaii next month ahead of field exercises in March 2027.
Summary
The Thai government has firmly rejected foreign media reports alleging that Bangkok plans to leverage its long-standing military and security alliance with the United States as a bargaining chip in upcoming bilateral trade negotiations.
Speaking on Wednesday, government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek dismissed claims that Thailand was preparing to tie its participation in joint defence initiatives—including the annual Exercise Cobra Gold—to US tariff terms.