Thailand as an Alternative to the Philippine Bases Problem: New Wine in an Old Bottle.
Abstract
This study analyzes Thailand's potential as a basing alternative, assuming the United States is forced to leave its key facilities in the Philippines, It stresses in US national interest to maintain a strong presence in Southeast Asia, and concludes that support of President Reagan's defense policies infers tacit approval of a Thai basing scenario. It traces the historic friendship of the US and Thailand, analyzes the Soviet/Vietnamese threat in the region and its positive affect on US-Thai relations. The paper lists and compares Thai and Philippine base physical assets anf missions, and concludes that- while the Subic/Clark complex can't be duplicated- Thai bases at Sattahip and Phuket could be used in forward basing scenarios to maintain the US presence in the region, and counter Soviet adventurism. If the US stresses the mutuality of security interests, the Thais will acquiesce to an American presence. Should the US leave the Philippines, Thailand is a militarily and politically viable alternate. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA174123
Entities
People
- Edward G. Redmon
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School