US says no justification for coup in Thailand, says military ties with its ally under review
WASHINGTON – The U.S. says there is no justification for Thailand’s military coup and it is reviewing its military relationship and other assistance and engagement with its Asian treaty ally.
Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday’s coup will have “negative implications” for the U.S.-Thai relationship but did not announce any immediate punitive steps.
Thailand is the oldest U.S. ally in Asia and a close military partner. After Thailand’s last military coup in 2006, the U.S. froze military assistance for a year-and-a-half until democracy was restored.
In a statement, Kerry said he was disappointed by the decision of the Thai military to suspend the constitution and take control of the government after a long period of political turmoil.
He urged the immediate restoration of civilian government and a return to democracy.
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