On 17 February 2026, Mrs. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, met with H.E. Mr. Sean Kotaro O’Neill, Ambassador of the United States to Thailand, on the occasion of the latter’s assumption of duty.

Both sides discussed deepening engagement and cooperation between Thailand and the United States, particularly promoting high-level engagements and elevating bilateral cooperation in areas of shared strategic interests, such as defense and security, as Thailand and the United States are about to co-host the 45th Cobra Gold exercise, the largest military exercise in the Indo-Pacific, as well as economic partnership. Thailand reiterated its commitment to advancing trade negotiations with the U.S., with a view to concluding a mutually beneficial trade agreement at the earliest opportunity. Also discussed was cooperation in consular affairs and enhancing diplomatic capabilities. In addition, the U.S. side shared its plan to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States this year, for which the Thai side stands ready to support.

Both sides discussed regional cooperation, especially in the Mekong sub-region, and exchanged views on key international developments as well as on the Thailand - Cambodia border situation.