Bush designates Thailand as major non-NATO ally

AFP ^ | 12-30-03

[Indy Pendance]

CRAWFORD, United States (AFP) - US President George W. Bush (news - web sites) officially designated war-on-terrorism partner Thailand a major US non-NATO (news - web sites) ally, a move that will boost security cooperation between the two countries.

"I hereby designate the Kingdom of Thailand as a Major Non-NATO Ally of the United States," Bush, who was vacationing at his Texas ranch, said in a memorandum to US Secretary of State Colin Powell (news - web sites).

Thailand is joining an exclusive club of countries that enjoy a privileged security relationship with the United States.

Its members, which include Japan, Australia, Israel, Egypt, South Korea (news - web sites), Argentina, New Zealand and the Philippines, are granted significant benefits in the area of foreign aid and defense cooperation.

Major non-NATO allies are eligible for priority delivery of defense material and the purchase, for instance, of depleted uranium anti-tank rounds.

They can stockpile US military hardware, participate in defense research and development programs, and benefit from a US government loan guarantee program, which backs up loans issued by private banks to finance arms exports.

However, the designation does not afford them the same mutual defense guarantees enjoyed by members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Thailand has steadily strengthened its ties to Washington since the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, and this year after prolonged domestic debate committed to sending troops to Iraq (news - web sites).

The US president had announced his intention to make the designation during a state visit to Thailand in mid-October.

During a speech to members of the Thai military, Bush said he was "confident in the strength of our alliance and I have acted to designate Thailand a major non-NATO ally of the United States."

[ConservativeMan55]

They made enough shirts and jeans to make it in!

[ConservativeMan55]

Thailands new slogan should be

"Without us the coalition would be naked."

LOL!

[NormsRevenge]

Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej. US President George W. Bush (news - web sites) officially designated war-on-terrorism partner Thailand a major US non-NATO (news - web sites) ally(AFP/File/Pornchai Kittiwongsakul)

[NormsRevenge]

The caskets of two Thai soldiers killed in Iraq (news - web sites) arrive in Bangkok airport, December 30, 2003. The two soldiers were killed in a bomb attack on their military base in Iraq's southern city of Kerbala last week. Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said Thailand would remain committed to its humanitarian mission in Iraq despite the soldiers' death. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom

[Malesherbes]

I'm surprised at the inclusion of New Zealand and Argentina - but for different reasons. In any case, the Thais have a reputation as tough fighters.

[Chu Gary]

Excellent move but Singha is still a lousy beer and the traffic in Bangkok still sucks. But, it's a great country.

[AUH2OY2K]

So right you are about Singha. Give me Leo or Elephant beer any day. Thailand is one big smile.

[DeuceTraveler]

I enjoyed it, too. People there are so friendly. Let's hear it for Krung Thep Manakhon Bovorn Ratanskosin Magintharayutthaya Mahadilokpop Noparatratchathani Burirom Udomratchanivetmahasathan Avatartsathit Sakkathattiya Visnukarmrasit.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

"Former President Clinton applauded Bush's move, saying that it provides him better access to underage girls..."

[zarf]

Ouch!

[BubbaJunebug]

Right about the worlds worst traffic...I did however get lucky earlier this month...left town on the Kings birthday..made it from the Montien Hotel to the airport in 20 minutes...a definite first in many years for me.