U. S.-Thailand Combatant Commander Considerations for the Asia-Pacific Rebalance
Abstract
United States Pacific Command (US PACOM) planners recognize the treaty alliance with Thailand is a cornerstone of the United States (U.S.) engagement in the Southeast Asia region and pivotal to the Asia Pacific rebalance. U.S. Thai relations have stalled following a bloodless military coup which deposed a corrupt democratically elected government. In response, the U.S. levied sanctions mandated by Section 508 of Public Law 108-7 which prohibits the expenditure of appropriated funds to support any country whose duly elected head of government is deposed by military coup. This paper addresses the dangers associated with strict adherence to Section 508 mandates with the growing emergence of China as a region power in Southeast Asia. It recognizes the intangible linkage multi-national exercises hosted by US PACOM have on the development of trust and partnership building in the region. The paper draws conclusions concerning the impact to the Asia Pacific rebalance associated with the loss of area access in Southeast Asia and recommends the Commander, US PACOM and his Legislative Affairs staff seek to update the language in Section 508 permitting continued funding of security cooperation and partnership building initiatives with Thailand.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA621065
Entities
People
- Robert E. Grimmett Iii
Organizations
- Naval War College