In his recent interview with the Washington Post, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak said that Thailand has received no response from the US regarding any assistance it might offer to mitigate the negative effects of the US involvement in the Middle East Crisis, adding that China is currently viewed as more stable as a partner.
“They (the US) have not come out to talk to us about how they can help. They haven’t approached us directly to say ‘We understand that you have to endure the impacts and we can help you out,' Sihasak said.
The media interviewed Sihasak in Krabi, just after he met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Both discussed collaboration in innovation, technology and the digital sector to advance the green economy. They also discussed Electric Vehicles (EVs) and instability in the Middle East, especially regarding energy security, according to the Thai Public Relations Department.
“Our position is that this war should not have taken place,” Sihasak said, adding though that he does not want to directly condemn the US.
Sihasak said he also asked Beijing for help in facilitating the safe passage of eight Thai vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
In March, a Thai-flagged bulk carrier, the Mayuree Naree, was struck by an Iranian missiles while attempting to pass through the narrow channel, killing three of the ship’s Thai crew.
Thai government representatives travelled to Oman last week to advocate for the safe passage of vessels through the strait.
“There’s a lot of unpredictability in US government policy,” Sihasak said, noting other issues Thailand has faced at the hands of the US, such as tariffs and the cancellation of US aid programs. In comparison, Sihasak said, China has presented itself as a more consistent partner to countries in Asia.
“This is not about us taking sides in the geopolitical competition. It’s about what the US is doing, which is forcing us to rethink some relationships,” he added.
