The government spokesperson confirmed the reports are not true; Thailand does not use military cooperation as a bargaining condition in trade negotiations with the United States, emphasizing that all talks prioritize national and public interests.
On 12 August 2026, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, clarified reports from some foreign news agencies claiming the Thai government is preparing to use security and military cooperation as leverage in trade negotiations with the United States. She stated that such information is false and not a policy of the Thai government.
The Prime Minister's Office spokesperson said that trade negotiations with the US proceed based on the country's economic interests, fairness, and trade balance. The government carefully considers proposals, especially impacts on farmers, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and the Thai people, seeking mutually beneficial and fair agreements for both sides.
Meanwhile, security and military cooperation between Thailand and the US has a long-standing history and is based on shared security interests. Collaborations, including the joint/multinational Cobra Gold exercises, continue according to established frameworks and plans, and are not linked or exchanged for trade negotiation outcomes.
The 27th Cobra Gold exercise, the 46th overall, will be conducted as part of the six-year training plan from 2025 to 2030, involving 31 countries. It aims to enhance capabilities and preparedness against both traditional and emerging threats such as cyber and space domains.
Next month, mid-term planning will take place in the state of Hawaii to prepare for the March training next year. The exercises will remain intensive and expand in scope.
“Thailand and the United States share broad and deep relations across many areas including economy, trade, security, and people-to-people ties. Each area has its own framework and national interests that must be carefully considered. The government will not trade off benefits in one sector for another,” Ms. Ratchada said.