BANGKOK — Thailand has denied reports that it plans to use military and security cooperation with the United States as leverage in ongoing trade negotiations, saying the two areas are being handled separately.

On August 12, the Thai government said spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek rejected reports by some foreign media outlets claiming that Thailand was preparing to make security and military cooperation a condition in negotiations with Washington.

Ratchada said the reports were “not true” and did not reflect the government's policy.

She said Thailand's trade negotiations with the US are being conducted based on the country's economic interests, fairness and a balanced trading relationship. The government will carefully assess US proposals, particularly their potential impact on farmers, businesses, manufacturers and the wider Thai public, while seeking a fair agreement that benefits both sides.

Meanwhile, Thailand's security and military relationship with the US has developed over many decades and is based on shared security interests. Existing cooperation, including the Cobra Gold multinational military exercise, will continue according to established plans and frameworks and will not be linked to the outcome of trade negotiations.

Cobra Gold to continue and expand

The next Cobra Gold exercise, known as Cobra Gold 27, will be the 46th edition and is being conducted under a six-year training plan covering 2025–2030.

A total of 31 countries are expected to participate. The exercise is designed to strengthen military capabilities and prepare participating countries for both traditional and emerging threats, including cyber and space-related challenges.

Planning for the next exercise will include an intermediate planning conference in Hawaii next month, ahead of the main exercise scheduled for March next year. Thai authorities said the exercise will remain intensive while expanding its scope.

“Thailand and the United States have broad and deep relations across many areas, including the economy, trade, security and people-to-people ties,” Ratchada said.

“Each area has its own framework and national interests that must be carefully considered. The government will not use one area of national interest as a bargaining chip for another.”