Thailand’s Foreign Ministry Denies Receiving US Letter on AI Alignment

Bangkok: Thailand's Foreign Ministry has clarified that it has not received any formal communication from the United States asking it to take sides on artificial intelligence (AI) issues amidst the ongoing competition between the US and China. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the need for continued monitoring of the situation for any new developments. According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Jaithai Upakarnnitikaset, Director-General of the Department of Information and spokesperson for the Ministry, spoke about the matter in response to reports that the US government might ask its allies to declare their stance in the AI rivalry with China. Ms. Jaithai indicated that the Thai Prime Minister had previously addressed the issue, emphasizing that it remains separate from tariff negotiations and requires careful consideration due to the implications of AI as a new cooperative frontier. Nevertheless, no official letter has been received by Thailand, and the Ministry will continue to follow up on the matter. In a separate development, the Foreign Ministry expressed its agreement with the appointment of Ambassador Katrina Cooper as chair of the reconciliation committee under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Ministry assured that the process, though not legally binding, will safeguard Thailand's interests. Furthermore, the Ministry expressed regret over an incident involving a Thai soldier injured by a landmine. Ms. Jaithai provided an update on the UNCLOS conciliation process, noting that the Permanent Court of Arbitration has appointed Ambassador Katrina Cooper as the fifth mediator. Cooper, an Australian diplomat and international lawyer, is recognized for her expertise in international law and negotiations. Her previous roles include serving as the Australian Ambassador to Mexico and participating in UNCLOS conciliation between Australia and Timor-Leste. Looking ahead, Ms. Savayathai outlined the next steps in the reconciliation process, which will invo lve setting a date for the first meeting of the fully appointed five-member committee. The committee, comprising representatives from Thailand, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew and Ambassador to Kuwait Mr. Songchai Chaipatiyuth, aims to convene by September 2026. Key agenda items will focus on establishing procedures and guidelines for the committee's work. Ms. Savajai Thai reiterated that the mediation process is advisory rather than judicial, aiming to provide balanced recommendations for both parties. The five expert commissioners will work impartially to ensure that all perspectives are considered, ultimately forming a foundation for further discussions. Thailand remains committed to supporting the process and protecting its national interests, in line with international law. Addressing the recent landmine incident in Ubon Ratchathani province, Ms. Jaithai extended condolences to the injured soldiers and stated that the Ministry is awaiting furthe r details from the military to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.