On this day in history, August 17, 1943, negotiations between Thailand and the United States begin to discuss the reduction and withdrawal of 49,000 American troops in Thailand.
Thailand had been providing the United States with combat troops as well as military bases to aid the U.S. and South Vietnam in the war against the Communists.
By 1969, Thailand had already sent 12,000 combat troops as well as four tactical fighter wings to support South Vietnam following President Lyndon Johnson’s call for “Free World Military Forces.”
U.S. bases in Thailand were also used to conduct strategic bombing missions with B-52s over both North and South Vietnam.
Following the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, Congressional restrictions against further bombing, the bases were no longer necessary.
By April, 1972, all Thai troops were removed from South Vietnam.
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