Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow is scheduled to pay a visit to Hawaii, United States of America, on 5-7 July 2026, to further advance the Thailand-U.S. alliance and strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to a report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet with Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM), to enhance Thailand-U.S. defense and security cooperation for shared strategic interest, especially in the context of the changing international landscape and new forms of security threats, as well as exchanging views on global and regional situations of mutual interest. He will also meet with the President of the East - West Center to strengthen Thailand-U.S. relations, including at the people-to-people level and in the academic sector, and to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation.

This is the first official visit to Hawaii by a Thai Foreign Minister in 15 years. Hawaii has strategic importance to security in the Indo-Pacific and connects the East and the West. The State is also home to leading U.S. academic institutions that play an important role in promoting understanding and cooperation, connecting the people of the U.S. and countries in the region. There are currently more than 5,000 Thais residing in Hawaii.

Previously, on 1 July, the Deputy Prime Minister received a telephone call from The Honorable Christopher Landau, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, to reaffirm the longstanding alliance and commitment to enhance strategic partnership between Thailand and the U.S.

The U.S. Deputy Secretary expressed his condolences on the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita. He underscored the importance that the U.S. attached to the alliance with Thailand and reiterated the desire to work together to continue the enduring alliance that has spanned over many decades. 

He also highlighted that the Thai-U.S. alliance is the anchor of the U.S. relations with Southeast Asia and is pleased that the Deputy Prime Minister will soon pay a visit to the USPACOM to coordinate security cooperation plans between the two countries.

The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the Thailand-U.S. alliance and readiness to work with the U.S. to expand cooperation in all areas, especially defense and security, as well as enhance continued high-level engagement. Both sides will continue close consultations in this regard.