Thailand, one of only two formal U.S. treaty allies in Southeast Asia, expressed dismay after the Trump administration included it in a sweeping visa freeze affecting 75 countries—a move that has disrupted family reunifications and threatened the 193-year diplomatic partnership between Bangkok and Washington.
The indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing, which affects EB-class employment visas and K-class spousal and dependent visas, hit Thailand with particular force given the kingdom's status as a Major Non-NATO Ally and its long-standing security cooperation with the United States.
Khaochat Mankong, a 27-year-old English tutor in Bangkok, had completed all paperwork to join her American husband in California. "We followed every rule, paid every fee," she told reporters. "Now we don't know when—or if—we'll be together."
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, a prime ministerial candidate, summoned U.S. Charge d'Affairs Elizabeth Konick to seek clarification on the policy, which the administration justified by claiming migrants from the 75 nations used welfare benefits at "unacceptable rates."
"These questions are not good for the relationship," Sihasak said, according to Al Jazeera. He noted the irony of grouping Thailand—a nation with formal diplomatic ties dating to 1833 and substantial economic integration with the U.S.—alongside conflict-affected countries like , , and .
