On January 14, the United States and Thailand signed an Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, known as the "123 Agreement," in Bangkok. The agreement was signed by U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert F. Godec and Thailand’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Supamas Isarabhakdi.

The 123 Agreement aims to establish a framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation between the two nations, emphasizing a mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation. This framework will facilitate the transfer of nuclear materials, equipment including reactors, components, and information for nuclear research and civil nuclear energy production.

According to officials, this agreement is expected to enhance bilateral cooperation on energy security and clean energy initiatives while strengthening diplomatic and economic ties. "Nuclear energy offers a clean energy solution with a stable baseload of power providing affordable, long-term options for critically needed energy," they stated.

The relationship between the United States and Thailand spans nearly 200 years and is considered one of the most enduring in the Indo-Pacific region. The previous Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement from 1974 expired in June 2014 after being in effect for four decades. With this new agreement, the United States aims to re-establish cooperation in this area.

The agreement aligns with U.S. efforts to support Thailand's energy security and net zero goals amidst growing demands for energy security and advanced clean energy technologies. The United States has expressed its commitment to assisting Thailand in developing a civil nuclear energy program that adheres to international standards of safety, security, and nonproliferation.