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. Meanwhile, street demonstrations rocked Bangkok and two prime ministers were forced to step down because of court decisions. A new coalition headed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva assumed power in December 2008. Bangkok temporarily stabilized, but again erupted into open conflict between the security forces and antigovernment protestors in March 2010. By May, the conflict escalated into the worst violence in Bangkok in decades. With the capital gripped by violence and uncertainty, many questions remain on how U.S. relations will fare as Bangkok seeks some degree of stability.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 19, 2010
Accession Number
ADA522217

Entities

People

  • Emma Chanlett-Avery

Organizations

  • Library of Congress

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

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