US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has expressed support for Thailand’s proposal to establish a humanitarian corridor along its border with Myanmar, highlighting Thailand’s crucial role in the region. The support came during discussions with Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara where they covered security, economic issues, and Thailand’s humanitarian efforts concerning the crisis in Myanmar.
The meeting highlighted the United States’ interest in ASEAN and its recognition of Thailand’s strategic significance. Blinken’s backing for the humanitarian corridor initiative indicates a readiness from the US to assist Thailand in addressing the Myanmar situation, with plans for further collaboration anticipated.
Cybersecurity concerns at the Thai-Myanmar border were also a topic of discussion between Parnpree and Blinken, with both parties agreeing on collaborative efforts for prevention.
In addition to Blinken, the Thai Foreign Minister met with several key US figures, including Senator Chris Van Hollen, who chairs the subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and international cybersecurity policy. These discussions were to bolster US-Thailand bilateral relations and touched on Myanmar and the humanitarian efforts by Thailand, which Van Hollen viewed positively. The plight of eight Thai hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip was also addressed, with Parnpree seeking US assistance for their release.
Parnpree’s visit included meetings with US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Amos J Hochstein, a deputy assistant to President Joe Biden, and American-Thai Senator Tammy Duckworth, discussing defense cooperation and the potential for increased Thai military participation in the US military. (NNT)
