On 7 April 2026, Ms. Sirilak Niyom, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, met with a bipartisan U.S. Congressional staff delegation comprising Chiefs of Staff and representatives from the offices of Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, during their visit to Thailand from 1 to 11 April 2026 at the invitation of the Thai side, facilitated by the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. Also in attendance was Mr. Suriya Chindawongse, Ambassador of Thailand to the U.S.

Both sides discussed ways to further strengthen Thailand - U.S. relations and cooperation across various dimensions. The Deputy Permanent Secretary provided an overview of key domestic developments and underscored Thailand’s priorities in advancing economic stimulus and restructuring through innovation and technology, addressing global energy challenges, and pursuing a balanced and proactive foreign policy across bilateral, regional, and multilateral frameworks. She also reaffirmed the longstanding Thailand - U.S. alliance and the broad-based cooperation in areas including defense and security, law enforcement, trade and investment, science and technology, public health, education, and energy.

The U.S. Congressional staff delegation welcomed the continued progress in Thailand - U.S. relations and reaffirmed Thailand’s role as a key U.S. ally in Southeast Asia, particularly in promoting security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Both sides agreed on the need to enhance cooperation and strengthen capacities to address emerging threats, especially online scams, and transnational criminal networks. The U.S. side also expressed support for Thailand’s efforts and regional cooperation in these areas. Both sides further discussed economic cooperation, including progress in negotiations on tariff and trade issues of mutual benefit.

Both sides also exchanged views on international developments, particularly the situation in the Middle East, as well as on strengthening regional cooperation and the important role of ASEAN in promoting peace and stability in the region.