What if you take away the slingshot? Thailand came away from those same Asean meetings as a party to a strategic minerals agreement with the United States that was apparently sprung at the last minute. Stakeholders throughout Thailand complained vigorously that there had been no consultation on the sudden agreement and warned of potential ramifications. The Trump Administration appealed that decision to the Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments on the case in November. The Supreme Court generally holds its most significant decisions to just before summer recess, synchronising explosive judicial opinions with July 4th fireworks.

Source: Bangkok Post January 05, 2026 00:12 UTC