Latest update: 14 August 2026, 10:28 a.m. Bangkok time
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he had received no report of a US drone production base being established in Thailand. He also rejected suggestions that military cooperation was being used as leverage in US tariff negotiations.
He confirmed meeting US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby on 13 August, but said trade was not discussed. Thailand’s Cobra Gold military exercise with the United States is expected to continue normally.
Why it matters internationally: Thailand is a longstanding US security partner while also maintaining major economic ties with China. Bangkok therefore tries to preserve defense cooperation with Washington without appearing to choose sides in broader US-China competition.
Vihok News
Sources Khaosod English, Royal Thai Army Television Channel 5, The Thaiger