Thai foreign minister criticizes US over war fallout and lack of support

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak said in an interview published Monday, Apr. 27, that the United States had not helped Thailand cope with the economic damage from the war, arguing the conflict “should not have taken place” in the first place. Speaking in Krabi, not far from Phuket, he told the Washington Post that Thailand had been pushed to engage more with Russia and China as fuel and fertiliser costs climbed.

He said Trump administration officials appeared aware of the consequences, but had not directly approached Thailand with support. The only US gesture, he said, was President Donald Trump’s offer for countries needing fuel to buy American oil and gas.

Thailand turns to Russia and China for energy and fertiliser

Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries have been hit hard by shipping disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict, which drove up fuel and fertiliser prices. That pressure has fed Bangkok’s search for alternative suppliers.

Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit recently travelled to Moscow to negotiate fertiliser supplies with Russian officials. Thailand is also trying to secure Russian crude, though Sihasak said Thai banks have been reluctant to proceed because of concerns about possible US sanctions violations.

Minister cites US unpredictability and praises China’s consistency

Sihasak said he travelled to Oman last week to press for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. He said he left with the impression that Omani officials were not optimistic about a ceasefire any time soon.

He said he shared that view, describing the Trump administration’s objectives as constantly shifting. According to the interview, the US focus at one point seemed to be regime change, while it now appears centred on ending Iran’s nuclear programme.

Sihasak also pointed to Trump’s tariff campaign and the rapid dismantling of US aid programmes as signs of broader policy instability. By contrast, he said China had presented itself as a more consistent partner in Asia, even if it still acts as a superpower on core interests.

Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/thai-foreign-minister-voices-frustration-with-us-100061.php