Despite repeated denials from Thai officials, rumors continue to swirl about possible American access to the Phang Nga Naval Base. In my April column for The Diplomat, I argued that Thailand has downplayed the defense dimension in its tariff negotiations with the United States, so as to dodge tough questions of strategic alignment. And so, “the moment defense becomes overt in talks with Trump could be the moment Thailand finds itself dangerously cornered.” That gloomy reality is materializing, with Thailand’s tariff rate remaining unaltered at 36 percent despite the Pheu Thai government having spent 97 million baht ($2.99 million) on lobbyists, and the state-owned energy conglomerate PTT Group having inked a 20-year agreement with Glenfarne Alaska LNG to import 2 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas annually. Murmurs about security-related concessions are growing louder. But, contrary to my anticipation of arms deals, the buzz centers around the establishment of a U.S. bas...
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