Middle East Conflict Impacts Economy, Thai Foreign Minister: Washington Provided No Aid, Turning to China, Russia for Support
Thai Foreign Minister stated that Thailand is seeking support from China and Russia due to the lack of direct aid from the US in response to the economic impact of the Middle East conflict. This suggests a tilt towards non-aligned diplomacy, particularly for fuel and fertilizer supplies.
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- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 21:16
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BANGKOK, April 28 (CNA) – Thailand's economy has been impacted by US and Israeli military actions against Iran. As a long-term US ally, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow told US media that the Trump administration did not provide any direct assistance to Thailand, and pointed out that Thailand, which suffered severe economic losses, is seeking support from China and Russia.
The Washington Post reported on the 27th that Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said in an interview on the 25th that the United States did not provide any assistance to Thailand for the economic losses caused by the US-Israel war against Iran.
The Middle East conflict has caused disruptions in Thailand's fuel and fertilizer supply, putting pressure on the Thai economy. Sihasak pointed out that 'the United States did not provide direct assistance,' and the main response was to sell US oil to Thailand, rather than taking broader aid measures.
Sihasak told The Washington Post that Thailand has turned to Russia for crude oil and fertilizer supplies, and is also seeking support from China.
Bangkok Post also quoted the report today, stating that Sihasak was disappointed that the United States did not provide direct assistance, and explained why Thailand sought assistance from Russia and China during the economic crisis.
Sihasak said that the US side did not proactively communicate with the Thai side to discuss how to provide help. The report said Sihasak stated: 'Our position is that this war should not have happened in the first place. We don't want to directly condemn the United States, but this should not happen.' At that time, he was hosting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who was visiting Thailand.
Wang Yi visited Thailand on the 24th and met with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on the same day.
The Bangkok Post pointed out that due to shipping disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict, Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries face soaring fuel and fertilizer prices more than most countries.
Thai Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit recently traveled to Moscow to negotiate with Russian officials on fertilizer issues. Thailand also wants to purchase Russian crude oil, but Sihasak said that Thailand has not taken action due to concerns about potentially violating US sanctions.
Sihasak pointed out that the US government's policy is full of uncertainties, and this uncertainty is not limited to war. The Bangkok Post reported that he was referring to Trump's tariff policy, which surprised many allies, and Trump's cancellation of US aid programs, which threatened poor communities around the world with disease and disaster. In contrast, Sihasak believes that China shows a more stable partner image in various Asian countries. (Editor: Chen Chenggong) 1150428
The Washington Post reported on the 27th that Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said in an interview on the 25th that the United States did not provide any assistance to Thailand for the economic losses caused by the US-Israel war against Iran.
The Middle East conflict has caused disruptions in Thailand's fuel and fertilizer supply, putting pressure on the Thai economy. Sihasak pointed out that 'the United States did not provide direct assistance,' and the main response was to sell US oil to Thailand, rather than taking broader aid measures.
Sihasak told The Washington Post that Thailand has turned to Russia for crude oil and fertilizer supplies, and is also seeking support from China.
Bangkok Post also quoted the report today, stating that Sihasak was disappointed that the United States did not provide direct assistance, and explained why Thailand sought assistance from Russia and China during the economic crisis.
Sihasak said that the US side did not proactively communicate with the Thai side to discuss how to provide help. The report said Sihasak stated: 'Our position is that this war should not have happened in the first place. We don't want to directly condemn the United States, but this should not happen.' At that time, he was hosting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who was visiting Thailand.
Wang Yi visited Thailand on the 24th and met with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on the same day.
The Bangkok Post pointed out that due to shipping disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict, Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries face soaring fuel and fertilizer prices more than most countries.
Thai Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit recently traveled to Moscow to negotiate with Russian officials on fertilizer issues. Thailand also wants to purchase Russian crude oil, but Sihasak said that Thailand has not taken action due to concerns about potentially violating US sanctions.
Sihasak pointed out that the US government's policy is full of uncertainties, and this uncertainty is not limited to war. The Bangkok Post reported that he was referring to Trump's tariff policy, which surprised many allies, and Trump's cancellation of US aid programs, which threatened poor communities around the world with disease and disaster. In contrast, Sihasak believes that China shows a more stable partner image in various Asian countries. (Editor: Chen Chenggong) 1150428