Bangkok: Thara insists signing the rare earths MOU will empower the United States, emphasizing that Thailand is not prepared to deal with mining pollution. Mr. Tara Buakamsri, Director of the Climate Connectors program, revealed on the Good Morning ASEAN program on MCOT NEWS FM100.5 that the MOU on rare earth minerals between Thailand and the United States is linked to the relationship between Thailand, the United States, and Malaysia. He believes this reflects the United States’ efforts to expand its influence over the supply chain of critical minerals.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Thara stated that US President Donald Trump is obsessed with economic competition with China, which controls the global rare earth supply chain. This is the reason for his visit and signing of the MOU in Southeast Asia. It is also the origin of the Critical Mineral Rush, a strategy to revive the former power in Asia, using rare earths as a key channel to build both military and political power. The signing of this MOU therefore involves consideration and caution, especially regarding the environment. Every rare earth production process, such as mining, involves various pollutants, which Thailand is not yet prepared to deal with in the future. The MOU also states that if the MOU expires or is canceled, previous investments or trade will not end.
Mr. Thara further revealed that Thailand is more of an importer than a producer of minerals, as Thailand imports rare earths from Malaysia or China, processes them, and then exports them. This is a crucial issue that requires close monitoring, as the impact, if it materializes, could be significant.