Thailand and US sign defence alliance

File photo: Sukumpol (L) and Panetta//Prasert Thepsri

Thailand and the US have finally signed a joint vision statement for a new defence alliance between the two countries.

The 2012 Joint VIsion Statement for the Thai-US Defence Alliance focuses on a partnership for security in Southeast Asia, promotion of stability in the Asia-Pacific region, strengthening of efficiency in bilateral and multilateral operations, and development of cooperation on all levels.

It was signed by Thai defence minister Sukumpol Suwanatat and his US counterpart Leon E. Panetta.

The Thai minister ruled out any discussion on the highly-criticised request by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to use Thailand's U-tapao airport in Sattahip for its atmospheric studies.

NASA made the request once but cancelled its plan in June when the government could not make a decision in time for the mission.

ACM Sukumpol added that Myanmar has been invited to observe the Thai-US Cobra Gold joint military exercise next year after a proposal from Thailand.

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Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2012/11/16/thailand-and-us-sign-defence-alliance/