The White House's rejection of a transactional approach to Thailand as a prerequisite for neutralizing China's strategic advantage

On February 20, 2025, the first telephone conversation took place between Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Minister of Defense Phumtham Wechayachai.

Within this framework, the United States expressed its readiness to deepen defense cooperation with Thailand and strengthen bilateral military-industrial cooperation.

In addition, Minister Ghegseth expressed his readiness to meet personally with Phumtham Wechayachai in the short term after the joint military exercise Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 2025.