Thailand to join talks on U.S.-led Indo-Pacific framework

Government says decision not a binding commitment for membership

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha attends a meeting with ASEAN leaders and U.S. business representatives on May 12. The Biden administration sees Southeast Asia as key to the proposed Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. © Reuters

YOHEI MURAMATSU, Nikkei staff writer

May 19, 2022 02:30 JST

BANGKOK -- Thailand will join negotiations on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, an initiative proposed by U.S. President Joe Biden in response to China's growing clout in the region.

Washington has been calling on regional players including Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to join the arrangement. The Thai cabinet approved Tuesday a statement notifying the U.S. of its participation in the negotiations.