BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s economy bleeds after the war in the Middle East began, with the US under Trump leaving the country to face devastating consequences alone.
This War Should Never Have Started
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow expressed his anger in an interview with the Washington Post. The war between the US and Israel against Iran hits his country with full force.
No offer from Washington, no direct communication. Sihasak complained bitterly:
“The US government knows the consequences, but it does not approach Thailand and say, ‘Oh, we understand that you have to endure the impacts, and we can help you.'”
Trump Only Wants to Sell His Oil
The only thing that came from US President Donald Trump was an offer to buy American oil and gas. Thailand would have to pay instead of receiving help.
For Sihasak, this sounds like mockery. His position remains crystal clear: the war should never have taken place. Thailand does not want to directly condemn the US, but the minister said something went fundamentally wrong.
Russian Oil and Fertilizer from Moscow
Shipping routes are blocked. Prices for fuel and fertilizer are exploding. Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit recently traveled to Moscow.
He negotiated with Russian officials about urgently needed fertilizer. Thailand is also seeking Russian crude oil. But banks in the country hesitate because they fear US sanctions.
Ceasefire Far Away
Last week, Sihasak traveled to Oman. His goal was to demand safe shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. He returned with a grim impression.
The Omanis see little hope for an early ceasefire. Sihasak shares this pessimism. The goals of the Trump administration constantly change, he told the newspaper. Sometimes it’s about regime change, then again about ending the Iranian nuclear program.
Unpredictable US Policy
The foreign minister complained about enormous unpredictability in American politics. Trump’s tariff wave hit even allies with full force.
The rapid dismantling of US aid programs left poor communities worldwide without protection. In this uncertainty, Thailand seeks reliable partners.
China as a Stable Anchor
While the US spreads chaos, China shows itself as a steady partner. Sihasak met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Krabi.
China also behaves like a superpower when it comes to core interests, the minister admitted. But at least those interests are known. Thailand does not want to choose a side in this struggle, yet the US forces the country to rethink some relationships.
Who Pays the Price?
Millions of farmers and families in Thailand suffer from exploding costs for fertilizer and diesel. The once stable bridge to Washington is dangerously crumbling.