The United States is Thailand's most important export market and strong trade relations, with continuing U.S. support, is seen as key to Thailand's recovery from the current economic crisis. The Free Thai Movement, which originated as a group of Thai students studying in the United States, supported the allies during the Second World War. Later, Thailand sent troops to Korea and Vietnam and provided strong support for our efforts in the Persian Gulf. The U.S. and Thailand also worked together cooperatively in Cambodia. The two countries maintain an extensive bilateral military exercise program, and many Thai military officers receive training in the U.S. each year.
American equipment is still the technology of choice for most Thai military purchases.
The U.S. and Thailand also work together to address a range of economic issues, including protection of intellectual property rights. Increasingly, cooperative efforts with Thailand on regional economic and security matters are undertaken through multilateral fora, such as APEC and ARF, complementing bilateral consultations. The Thai's external political view is increasingly centered on development of strong regional economic and security fora. The economic crisis triggered elections and resulted in a change in government in early 1997. The new government quickly established itself as willing to undertake financial restructuring measures to adhere to strict IMF guidelines.