Thailand: Background and U.S. Relations
February 8, 2011 - RL32593
U.S.-Thailand relations are of interest to Congress because of Thailand's status as a long-time military ally and a significant trade and economic partner. However, ties have been complicated by deep political and economic instability in the wake of the September 2006 coup that displaced Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. After December 2007 parliamentary elections returned many of Thaksin's supporters to power, the U.S. government lifted the restrictions on aid imposed after the coup and worked to restore bilateral ties. Meanwhile, street demonstrations rocked Bangkok and two prime ministers from Thaksin-aligned parties were forced to step down because of court decisions. A coalition of anti-Thaksin politicians headed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva assumed power in December 2008. Bangkok temporarily stabilized, but again erupted into open conflict between the security forces and anti-government protestors in March 2010. By May, the conflict escalated into the worst violence in Bangkok and other cities in decades. Although the government has remained in place, parliamentary elections are required by the end of 2011 and threaten to again spark conflict within a deeply divided society. With this uncertainty, many questions remain on how U.S. relations will fare as Bangkok seeks some degree of political stability. Despite differences on ...