Royal Thai Executive Steering Group deepens US–Thai ties

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — Senior leaders from the Royal Thai Army and U.S. Army Pacific held the 15th Thai-U.S. Executive Steering Group on Aug. 11-12, 2026, at USARPAC headquarters, finalizing priorities, resources and actions for fiscal year 2027 and underscoring a longstanding military partnership.

The two-day session translated more than 60 planned activities into executable engagements, with discussions spanning combined exercises, capability development, infrastructure, medical training, intelligence, cyber, aviation, engineering and special operations.

“There’s a lot of activity to do this year,” said Lt. Gen. Munklahan, Royal Thai Army, deputy chief of staff. “It’s about more than 60 activities, so we have to make sure we coordinate to make it happen, and also try to secure the budget. This is the most important part for the implementing phases.”

The agenda emphasized specialized capabilities across special operations, intelligence, cyber, aviation, engineering and medical training. Munklahan reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to the roadmap and future cooperation. “I want to reaffirm our commitment to the objectives we have set,” Munklahan said. “The Royal Thai Army is eager to continue working closely with our U.S. counterparts, and we are excited to see the outcome of our joint effort in this month and in the years to come.” He added, “The spirit of cooperation and friendship serve as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we unite our efforts.”

Lt. Gen. Joel Vowell, U.S. Army Pacific, deputy commanding general, highlighted the continued evolution of the relationship and the importance of maintaining quality engagements. “We keep expanding the relationship. We keep growing what we’re doing in a positive direction,” Vowell said. “Not to say that bigger is better and more is more, but we’re making more quality approaches as well.”

He stressed the reciprocal nature of the partnership. “This isn’t a one-way conversation,” Vowell said. “Every time we do something in Thailand or with our Royal Thai Army partners, we learn as well. This relationship is a two-way thing. We have learned a lot.” He also underscored Thailand’s status as a longstanding U.S. treaty ally. “You are a priority. You’re a treaty ally,” Vowell said. “That relationship goes back to 1833. We want to keep the mil-to-mil thing going, be great friends, partners, and continue the great relationship that we have.”

The 15th ESG concluded with both sides aligned on key fiscal year 2027 activities, resource requirements and follow-on actions, setting conditions for continued cooperation and increased interoperability between the Royal Thai Army and U.S. forces.