U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met with Thai Minister of Defence Adul Boonthamcharoen on May 29, 2026, for their inaugural discussion on strengthening the U.S.-Thailand alliance and advancing defense cooperation. The leaders committed to finalizing a new Joint Vision Statement by year-end to modernize Thailand's defense capabilities and accelerate key priorities.
Secretary Hegseth praised Thailand's ongoing dedication to peace with Cambodia, referencing the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords brokered by President Trump and the subsequent December 27 ceasefire agreement. This commitment underscores regional stability efforts.
Building on the U.S. pledge of $68 million in Foreign Military Financing, which aims to enhance Thailand's counter-unmanned aerial systems and establish a Stryker Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility, both officials explored further opportunities. They discussed expanding defense industrial cooperation and accelerating Thailand's broader modernization goals.