Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with the Hon. Michael George DeSombre, United States Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, on the occasion of the latter’s visit to Thailand

วันที่นำเข้าข้อมูล 9 Jan 2026

วันที่ปรับปรุงข้อมูล 9 Jan 2026

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On 9 January 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with the Hon. Michael George DeSombre, United States Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, on the occasion of the latter’s visit to Thailand.

In their discussions, both sides emphasized the importance of the Thailand - U.S. alliance. The Foreign Minister reiterated Thailand’s desire to strengthen and elevate the strategic partnership between the two countries to an even closer level, which the Assistant Secretary concurred with and reiterated Thailand’s importance to the U.S. as a long-standing ally in the region and a Major Non-NATO Ally. The Assistant Secretary also informed the Foreign Minister of U.S. plans to provide US$68 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) for Thailand, and assistance for cooperation on combating cybercrimes amounting to US$10 million. The issue is a common challenge of high priority for both sides, and the U.S. welcomed Thailand’s leading role in hosting the International Conference on Global Partnership against Online Scams on 17 December 2025 in Bangkok, in which U.S. representatives also participated and expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation in this area. The U.S. side also conveyed US$14 million assistance for cooperation under the Mekong - U.S. Partnership (MUSP), which the relevant agencies from both sides will discuss in further detail. On their economic partnership, both sides discussed the status of negotiations of the draft reciprocal trade agreement between Thailand and the U.S., which the Assistant Secretary has been coordinating with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to ensure continued progress, as well as opportunities for cooperation relating to critical minerals which are fundamental to the development of future industries, particularly semiconductor-related supply chains.

Both sides also discussed the situation along the Thailand - Cambodia border. The Assistant Secretary welcomed the ceasefire agreement and the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers as an important development. He also expressed condolences for the deaths and injuries of Thai soldiers and understanding of the protection of Thailand's sovereignty and the necessary actions taken by the Thai side. The Foreign Minister expressed appreciation for the U.S. supportive role and noted that the situation remains fragile. He reiterated Thailand’s commitment in ensuring that the ceasefire agreement is strictly adhered to and in fostering trust and confidence, as well as efforts to restore relations with Cambodia in order to achieve a lasting peace. In addition, they also discussed regional developments within ASEAN and the Mekong sub-region, as well as exchanged views on the situation in Myanmar.

The Hon. Michael George DeSombre served as the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand from 2020 to 2021. This is his second visit to Thailand since assuming the duty of U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs in October 2025. He is scheduled to meet with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, as well as with representatives from the Thai and US private sectors.

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