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The US sacrificed the long-term relationship for its short-term goals in the war against terrorism. During the 1960s,Thai foreign policy was dictated by the US. Now the elephant appears to be trying to establish a new status quoexchanges between the two govern- ments at all levels – among the most in the world. In the same period, Thailand and the US have not signed any free trade agreements. The military government has shown little recent interest in signing a US-backed trade treaty, the Trans-Pacific Partner- ship (TPP).The dragon is making overtures while the eagle is seen as nit-picking and bossy. US foreign policy has been distracted by its post-September 11 war on terrorism, especially Islamic extremists. Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s first term was characterized by dutifully following the US policy on terrorism. Thailand, a non-NATO ally, sent troops to join the US-led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Thai soil has been used to accom- modate notorious CIA detention cells. All while Washington invested little in diplomacy with an important ally.“The US sacrificed the long-term relationship for its short-term goals in the war against terrorism,” Mr Zawacki said.During the 1960s, Thai foreign policy was dictated by the US. Now the elephant appears to be trying to establish a new status quo. Mr Zawacki believes the US needs to rethink and prioritize its foreign policy in regards to Thailand. “But first the US government must appoint an official US ambassador to Thailand,” he added.Since the departure of Ambassador Kenny last November, the US has not appointed an official ambassador. For almost 10 months, Charge d’ A ffairs W. Patrick Murphy has been acting chief of mission, and dialogue has stuttered.18 Elite+