We have a joint vision for those long-standing ties, as we just announced on November 15th with the Thais:
As the Thai-U.S. defense alliance is calibrated to address 21st century challenges, defense cooperation is to focus on the following four areas: 1) Partnership for Regional Security in Southeast Asia; 2) Supporting Stability in the Asia-Pacific Region and Beyond; 3) Bilateral and Multilateral Interoperability and Readiness; and 4) Relationship Building, Coordination, and Collaboration at All Levels.
On point 3:
The United States supports Thai defense modernization and training requirements, including through the sale of U.S. defense equipment, Excess Defense Article transfers, Foreign Military Financing, International Military Education and Training, and maintenance support packages. Our forces routinely exercise together, strengthening the bonds of interoperability, teamwork, and friendship. We maintain a robust program of military-to-military exchanges that help to strengthen ties between our respective armed forces, reinforces mutual respect, and fosters shared values.
My brother was stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Air Force B-52s based there were used against North Vietnamese forces. Today, by keeping those bases warm, we'd find plenty of uses for them in case of a war.
Should China become aggressive, bases in Thailand would allow us to support Indian forces in the Bay of Bengal or northeast India; support Vietnam against direct Chinese attack; support American naval forces in the South China Sea; support a Burma interested in resisting Chinese pressure to orbit Peking quietly; or even directly threaten Chinese targets inside China, such as the crucial bases on Hainan Island.
And to defend Thailand, of course. Their geography also allows them to interdict traffic in the Strait of Malacca.
Being much closer to China, I'm sure the Thais are more interested in a quiet role than the more public Australian role debate. But this relationship has been a major part of our diplomacy in Southeast Asia for many decades. The relationship is unlikely to be less important in the future.
