Thailand denies plan to leverage US military ties in tariff dispute

BANGKOK — Thailand has dismissed rumors suggesting it plans to utilize its longstanding military alliance with the United States as leverage during ongoing trade talks. The assertion comes after a Bloomberg report cited an unnamed source alleging Bangkok might reduce defense cooperation if Washington raises tariffs on Thai goods beyond the current 19 per cent.

Thai government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek firmly rejected these claims, emphasizing that commercial policy and national defense are governed by distinct frameworks. She highlighted that while Thailand and the US share a multifaceted relationship encompassing trade and security, each domain operates independently. "Thailand and the United States share a broad relationship across multiple dimensions, including trade and security," Rachada stated.

"Each area operates under its own framework. The government will not compromise national interests in one sector to bargain for gains in another." Thailand, facing a $51.4 billion trade surplus with the US in 2025, has historically offered concessions, such as reduced tariffs on certain American agricultural products and stricter labor regulations in export supply chains.

This stance underscores the country's commitment to maintaining its defense obligations, as highlighted by the ongoing Cobra Gold exercise, a 44-year-long multinational military drill hosted by the US and Thailand, slated to continue under current agreements.