Withdrawal of U.S. Forces from Thailand

Because of changing conditions in Southeast Asia, the Royal Thailand Government asked the United States to withdraw its combat forces from Thailand. At that time, March 1975, 27,000 military personnel were authorized for six bases and other facilities throughout the country. The phasedown resulted in U.S. force levels being reduced to less than 250 as of July 20, 1976.

Agreements authorizing U.S. military force presence and construction of facilities were minimal. One of the objectives of the phasedown was to maintain the best possible relations with Thailand, which controlled the bases and the transportation facilities used by U.S. forces. This objective was to be achieved in part by leaving operable facilities and by withdrawing only those items for which a valid U.S. need existed. At five of the Royal Thailand Air Force bases major items transferred were valued at over $12.6 million, and secondary items transferred were valued at over $19 million. These items were excess to U.S. requirements and could not be economically removed. Over $204 million (acquisition value) in real property improvements was left at these five bases. Some of the communications equipment left in Thailand was not excess to U.S. needs. However, the Thai Government needs these items. Components of the communications system not excess to U.S. needs were left at no cost to Thailand under a 3-year bailment agreement; Thailand, in turn, will provide the United States communications services to their country at no cost. Thailand agreed to purchase ammunition left in the country over a 3-year period.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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