(AseanAll) — On January 29, 2026, at the Thai Government House, Mr. Michael Dennis Rogers, Republican U.S. representative for Alabama and Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, led the delegation, which included Mr. Adam Smith, Democratic U.S. representative for Washington and Deputy Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Mr. Salud Carbajal, Democratic U.S. representative for California and member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Mr. Jimmy Patronis, Republican U.S. representative for Florida and member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, to pay a courtesy call on Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul on occasion of their visit to Thailand during January 28-30, 2026.
While exchanging view on Thailand – U.S. relations, the two parties affirmed partnership and comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries in all dimensions. They were confident that collaboration between Thailand and the U.S. would be further strengthened for the benefit of the peoples of both nations, as well as for regional peace and stability.
The two parties also agreed that military and defense cooperation has long been a key foundation of the Thai–U.S. relations. They both were pleased to welcome the 45th Cobra Gold, the largest multilateral military exercise in the Indo-Pacific region, which will be cohosted by Thailand and the U.S. in February 2026.
On economic, trade and investment cooperation, the Prime Minister stated that the U.S. is Thailand’s major economic partner, as it has been Thailand’s top export market in the past year, whereas investment of the Thai private sector in the U.S. has continued to grow, creating significant employment opportunities for Americans.
Both sides also agreed to work together toward finalizing a reciprocal trade agreement that ensures balance and mutual benefit. Technical discussions between Thailand and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is now underway, alongside an increase of imports from the U.S. and cooperation expansion in key industries for mutual interests.
The two parties further emphasized their commitment to strengthening cooperation against emerging threats, especially cybercrime, which has caused immense economic and social damage and is linked to other forms of transnational crime, such as, human trafficking. The Prime Minister stressed that the Thai government places great importance to combating these threats and has directed relevant agencies to tackle the issue seriously, resulting in concrete outcomes.
