12-2-2024 (BANGKOK) The Myanmar crisis, security collaboration, and the government’s Land Bridge project for regional connectivity are set to dominate discussions between the Foreign Affairs Minister and his US counterpart on Monday.
Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara embarked from Bangkok on Saturday for an official visit to the United States, scheduled until Monday, as confirmed by Vice Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. Mr. Parnpree’s visit comes in response to an invitation extended by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, stated Phuangketkeow.
On Monday, Mr. Parnpree is slated to meet with Mr. Blinken along with other prominent US figures including Senators Chris Van Hollen and Tammy Duckworth, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, and Senior Advisor for Energy and Investment Amos Hochstein.
The primary objective of the visit, Sihasak noted, is to bolster the strategic partnership between Thailand and the US, with a diverse range of topics up for discussion.
Sihasak highlighted the significance of the security collaboration, particularly underscoring the ongoing Cobra Gold military training, the largest such exercise conducted jointly by Thailand and the US in recent years.
Addressing the Myanmar crisis also features prominently on the agenda, with Sihasak noting the keen interest of the US in Thailand’s efforts to address the humanitarian challenges along the Thailand-Myanmar border.
“The US is interested in our approach and how we are going to proceed,” Sihasak remarked.
Additionally, discussions will encompass the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) framework, signed by 14 nations, including Thailand, in 2022. The IPEF encompasses various domains such as trade, supply chains, clean energy, infrastructure, tax, and anti-corruption, Sihasak added.
The development of the Land Bridge project is another area of interest for the US. Sihasak stressed that the US is poised to provide support to enhance regional connectivity through this initiative, which aims to link the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand via road and rail, with transit hubs in Ranong and Chumphon provinces.
“The US relationship is often perceived as predominantly focused on security and politics, but recently, the US has pivoted towards regional economic engagement,” Sihasak commented.
“Many countries in the region are eager for economic engagement with the US as it promises mutual benefits.”
