Baird condemns military coup in Thailand, seeks return to civilian rule

OTTAWA – Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird is condemning the military takeover in Thailand.

Baird issued a statement today saying the aggressive move by the Thai army violates democratic principles.

He also notes that the army had earlier promised to limit its role to securing public order in the politically deadlocked country.

Baird has called in the Thai ambassador to hear Canada’s concerns directly.

He says he hopes the army will return the country to civilian rule as soon as possible.

The army seized power and suspended the Thai constitution after six months of political gridlock and increasingly violent protests.