1、 August 28, 2014 Thailand: Background and U.S. Relations Overview Thailand is a long-time military ally and significant trade and economic partner for the United States. In 2013, Thailand was the United States 24th largest goods trading partner, with $38 billion in total two-way goods trade. For man
2、y years, Thailand also was seen as a model of stable democracy in Southeast Asia, although this image, along with U.S. relations, has been complicated by deep political and economic instability in the wake of two military coups in the past eight years. The first, in 2006, displaced Prime Minister Th
3、aksin Shinawatra, a popular but polarizing figure who remains a focus of many divisions within Thailand. The second, in 2014, deposed an acting prime minister after Thaksins sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, was ousted from the premiership by a Constitutional Court decision that many saw as politically m
4、otivated. The 2014 coup threatens the traditionally strong U.S.-Thai security relationship and could disrupt trade and investment links, two developments that some analysts believe could open the door to greater Chinese influence in Thailand. The coup also exacerbates concerns of international group
