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. However, ties have been complicated by deep political and economic instability in the wake of the September 2006 coup that displaced Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. After December 2007 parliamentary elections 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. Since then, street demonstrations have rocked Bangkok, two prime ministers have been forced to step down because of court decisions, and a tenuous new coalition has taken over the government. Many questions remain on how relations will fare as Bangkok seeks political stability. With Thai nationalism apparently on the rise, some analysts see a risk of drift in the U.S.-Thai relationship, although no major shift in overall cooperation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 08, 2009
Accession Number
ADA501334

Entities

People

  • Emma Chanlett-Avery

Organizations

  • Library of Congress

Tags

Communities of Interest

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DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Commerce
  • Congress
  • Department Of State
  • Government Procurement
  • Governments
  • Health Services
  • Intellectual Property
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • International Trade
  • Law
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Political Systems
  • Southeast Asia
  • Treaties

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • International Relations and Conflict Resolution