SIDE BY SIDE United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (right) is escorted by Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha while reviewing an honor guard during a welcoming ceremony at the Defense Ministry in Bangkok, on Monday, June 13, 2022. AP PHOTO
BANGKOK: United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Monday as part of an effort to strengthen what Austin says is Washington's "unparalleled network of alliances and partnerships" in the region.