Thailand: Background and U.S. Relations
Abstract
U.S.-Thailand relations are of interest to Congress because of Thailand's status as a long-time military ally and a significant trade and economic partner. The currently-stalled proposed U.S.-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would require implementing legislation to take effect. However, the ouster of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra by a military coup in September 2006 and subsequent economic and political instability complicated bilateral ties. After parliamentary elections in December 2007 returned many of Thaksin s supporters to power, the U.S. government lifted the restrictions on aid imposed after the coup and worked to restore bilateral ties. Questions remain on how the U.S.-Thai relationship will fare as Bangkok seeks political stability. Despite differences on Burma policy and human rights issues, shared economic and security interests have long provided the basis for U.S.-Thai cooperation. Thailand contributed troops and support for U.S. military operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq and was designated as a major non-NATO ally by President Bush in December 2003. Thailand s airfields and ports play a particularly important role in U.S. global military strategy, including having served as the primary hub of the relief effort following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The high-profile arrest of radical Islamic leader Hambali in a joint Thai-U.S. operation in 2003 underscores Thailand s role in the U.S.-led war on terrorism. The U.S.-Thai bilateral trade total in 2006 was over $30 billion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 24, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA485874
Entities
People
- Emma Chanlett-Avery
Organizations
- Library of Congress