BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand and the United States are strengthening military cooperation to enhance regional security and defense collaboration.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed their commitment to deepening military cooperation in a recent phone discussion.
Minister Phumtham congratulated Hegseth on his appointment and emphasized Thailand’s dedication to strengthening its defense alliance with the United States. He highlighted Thailand’s status as the oldest U.S. ally in Southeast Asia and reiterated the country’s commitment to the 2020 Joint Vision Statement for the Thai-U.S. Defense Alliance. The Thai Minister also expressed appreciation for U.S. support in military equipment procurement and defense education programs.
Thailand specifically acknowledged the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program, which has enhanced the professionalism and leadership of Thai military personnel. Phumtham requested continued U.S. support for IMET, emphasizing its role in joint operational readiness and reinforcing military ties between the two nations. Minister Phumtham also thanked the U.S. for its long-standing defense cooperation programs and urged continued strategic collaboration.
Hegseth praised the enduring U.S.-Thailand security partnership, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to enhancing defense cooperation with key allies. He reiterated the U.S. administration’s policy of deepening security and defense industry collaboration and expressed hope for an in-person meeting soon.
Both sides also discussed opportunities to expand bilateral defense cooperation and joint defense industry development, further strengthening their strategic partnership. (NNT)
