Thailand: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated January 10, 2006]   [open pdf - 171KB]

"U.S.-Thailand relations are of interest to Congress because of Thailand's status as a long-time military ally, a key country in the war against terrorism in Southeast Asia, and a significant trade and economic partner. A proposed U.S.-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), currently being negotiated, would require implementing legislation to take effect. Relevant topics in this report are: security assistance, counter-narcotics, AIDS, SARS, Avian Flu Virus, and direction of war on terrorism in southeast Asia."