Thailand sells its natural resources? MOU with USA causes excitement!

Thailand sells its natural resources? MOU with USA causes excitement!

On October 25, 2025, there was a big step in cooperation between Thailand and the USA: The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in the field of rare earths was signed. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was on site, while President Donald Trump represented the American side. This MOU is seen as a significant step in the development of clean technologies, but also brings with it some critical aspects.

Supporters of the agreement see this as an opportunity for a promising project, while critics fear that Thailand is selling its natural resources and thus part of its sovereignty. As Prachatai reports, there are major human rights and environmental concerns. The contractual conditions do not contain any guarantees for consultation with the affected communities or for the evaluation of environmental and human rights aspects.

Focus on the environment and human rights

The MOU could actually push Thailand into the role of a raw materials supplier to the West, leaving the country with little influence over pricing and directional decisions. Another key point is the agreement's lack of environmental justice. Critics say that the extraction of rare earths can lead to harmful chemical processes that not only harm the environment, but also the local people. It highlights the need to avoid putting pressure on vulnerable groups who often have to bear the brunt of such projects.

To improve the situation, proposals are being discussed, such as the creation of an Environmental Diplomacy Center and a revision of the Environmental Protection Act of 1992. The aim is to give more weight to the voices of local communities and to define their rights more clearly. According to current discussions, it could prove essential to establish transparent procedures to adequately inform the population.

International responsibility and standards

The problem of inadequate human rights and environmental standards remains an issue not only in Thailand. Initiatives like that of [Bread for the World](https://www.bund.net/service/presse/pressemitigungen/detail/news/menschenrechte-arbeitsschutz-und-umweltjustigkeit-weltweit-durch set/?amp%3BcHash=bd3f74238afde1fc43dd8915230913a2&tx_bundpoolnews_display%5Bfilter%5D%5Btopic%5D=1&cHash=1a5b61104e97c00b44a65d0e63a7a164) call for stronger political efforts globally. A joint statement emphasizes the importance of legally anchored corporate due diligence obligations in order to prevent human rights violations and environmental destruction.

A recent example concerns the draft of the EU supply chain law, which is to be improved. The responsibility of employers to comply with human and labor rights standards is also highlighted here. The voices of the initiatives are loud and demand that the federal government advocates for better international standards in raw material extraction.

In this context, it is clear that the MOU between Thailand and the US needs more attention. In addition to the economic benefits, the ecological and social consequences must not be pushed into the background. The discussion is open; now is the time for both the Thai government and international actors to work towards a sustainable and equitable future.