US Secretary of State arrives in Thailand, signalling improving ties

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson touched down in Bangkok on Tuesday, in the highest-level visit to Thailand from a US official since the military coup of 2014.

Despite accusations from US President Donald Trump’s administration that Thailand was a “trade cheat,” further souring tense relations post-coup, Tillerson’s visit to Thailand is aimed at strengthening cooperation on security, trade and investment.

Following the Asean Regional Forum over the weekend, Tillerson’s priority has also been to urge Southeast Asian countries to do more to help cut funding streams for North Korea. Tillerson has said the door to dialogue is open if North Korea halts



its recent series of missile tests.

But Thailand’s own politics and human rights record will also be in focus, as Washington strengthens relations with its oldest ally in the region after they were downgraded following the coup.

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Busadee Santipitaks highlighted the importance of the visit for Thailand. She told Reuters there were “many issues which we will cover, including the tight relationship and friendship.”

Trump has spoken to Thailand’s military junta leader Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and invited him to the White House, but no date has been set yet.