PM denies US drone production base plan, separates trade talks from security
BANGKOK — 14 August 2026, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denied reports that the United States plans to establish a production base for unmanned aerial vehicles in Thailand, saying he had received no such report. Anutin was asked about reports that the US might use military issues as leverage in negotiations over […] The post PM denies US drone production base plan,…
BANGKOK — On 14 August 2026, Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dismissed claims that the United States intends to set up a drone production base in Thailand. Anutin revealed he had not received any such reports. The prime minister shot down the notion of using military matters as leverage in trade tariff negotiations.
US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby met with Anutin on August 13th, but they did not discuss this particular issue. The prime minister emphasized that trade and tariffs are trade matters, while security cooperation is a military issue. He stated that the government would not allow these two areas to intertwine.
Anutin praised the meeting with Colby as "very well." When questioned if security issues and trade negotiations should be kept separate, Anutin affirmed that this has always been the American approach. He also confirmed that the Cobra Gold joint military exercise will proceed on its regular schedule, stating it is customary and has been happening for decades.
Regarding US trade tariff talks, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun provided an update after a meeting on Monday. The government was satisfied with the progress, and everything remained within the timeline set by the negotiating team.
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