U-Tapao
Lily Pad / Small Outpost · Thailand
Status
Active
Type
Lily Pad
Location
Overseas
About This Installation
Utapao Naval Air Base, where military rents space from contractor: https://www.deltagolfgs.com/; major logistics hub for Iraq, Afghan wars. ~800 flights/year at height. Now?
💡 Why Does This Matter?
The United States maintains approximately 750 military bases in over 80 countries — more than any nation in world history. The annual cost of maintaining overseas bases exceeds $55 billion.
Critics argue that many overseas bases are Cold War relics that increase tensions, provoke "blowback," and drain resources from domestic needs. Supporters say they deter aggression and protect allies. U-Tapao in Thailand is one of these installations.
📍 Coordinates
12.6817°N, 100.9985°E · View on Google Maps →