Bangkok: The commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) praised Thailand for its diplomatic restraint during recent tensions with Cambodia and committed to mobilize all available resources to dismantle transnational scam networks and call centers.
According to Thai News Agency, in an exclusive interview during his visit to Bangkok, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo met with General Ukkrit Buntanon, Thailand's Chief of Defence Forces, to discuss bilateral military cooperation and regional security. Paparo commended Thailand for its appropriate and measured approach in navigating the recent crisis, adding that both nations are now focused on providing humanitarian assistance to displaced persons affected by the tensions.
The Admiral also emphasized the importance of mobilizing all available resources to combat scam centers, call center gangs, and other elements of transnational crime that threaten to worsen regional conditions.
In discussing diplomatic breakthroughs, the Admiral credited U.S. President Donald Trump for playing a "pivotal role" in mediating peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia, which led to a ceasefire agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur. He emphasized that the U.S. remains committed to respecting the sovereignty of both nations while applauding Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair. Paparo described the adherence to "ASEAN Centrality" as a modern blueprint for conflict resolution in the Indo-Pacific.
Turning to Cobra Gold 2026, the 45th iteration of the region's largest multilateral exercise, Paparo confirmed that Cambodia has declined to participate. The decision not to attend was entirely Cambodia's, Paparo said. He noted that the 2026 exercise is set to be the largest in history, featuring over 8,000 personnel from 30 nations. While no new hardware will be debuted, the drills will expand into cyber and space domains to address 21st-century warfare.
Reflecting on regional deterrence and the South China Sea, Paparo underscored the Indo-Pacific as the "priority theater" for the United States. "Deterrence is achieved with peace, through strength... and done so with a quiet confidence, not confrontation," he said. He added that for 2026, the U.S. would prioritize combat-credible capabilities, upholding commitments to allies and partners, and the positioning of forces and basing to maintain regional security.
Regarding the South China Sea, Admiral Paparo noted that tensions remain high as several U.S. allies and partners face mounting pressure from China due to its expansive maritime claims, which frequently violate the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling. He noted that these actions directly impact the rights of regional nations to access natural resources, ranging from fishing grounds essential for food security to undersea minerals vital for economic security, as well as the freedom of navigation. In response, the U.S. and its partners are doubling down on their commitment to a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' to ensure these sovereign rights are protected.
Concluding his visit, Paparo highlighted the 193-year-old Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the 70th anniversary of the Manila Pact defense treaty. He noted that Thailand was among the first nations to recognize U.S. statehood, underscoring the high priority and significant value the United States places on its relationship with Thailand.