US says it is reviewing aid to Thailand: Thaksin to ‘take deserved rest’
NEW YORK, Sept 21: The United States is reviewing its aid to Thailand following the military coup which toppled the government of prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a senior US official said on Thursday.
“We have made very clear in our statements that we consider the military move a step backward for Thai democracy and a very sad development for Thai democracy,” said Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian Affairs Christopher Hill.
“We are also reviewing our assistance to Thailand in light of the various legal implications for a country in which there has been a military coup to depose an elected civilian leadership,” he said.
Mr Hill said the United States was ‘monitoring developments very closely’ in Thailand and that discussions were continuing within the government over its aid program.
In Bangkok, Thailand’s ruling generals cemented their grip on power, as ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said he would take a break from politics and called for national reconciliation.
Mr Thaksin’s announcement from London less than 48 hours after the military seized power in a bloodless coup indicated he now accepted his five years as Thailand’s leader were over.
“Event(s) in Thailand during the last two days should not detract from my main aim of national reconciliation,” said a statement issued by Mr Thaksin’s aides.
“We hope the new regime will quickly arrange a new general election and continue to uphold the principles of democracy for the future of all Thais,” it said. “Thaksin as of now will take a deserved rest.”
The developments consolidated the grip of Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin and his council of military leaders, who extended their power by banning all political activities until further notice.
The coup leaders also installed the army security chief as the new head of national intelligence and removed three other top officials considered loyal to Mr Thaksin.
In an announcement on state television, Gen Sonthi and his council of generals said the auditor general’s office would remain open — clearing the way to investigate the toppled billionaire on corruption charges.
Schools, banks and government offices were open again across Thailand after being ordered shut for a day. Fewer troops were on the streets and many people seemed unruffled by the political upheaval.
“Everyone is happy,” said Chaiyaporn Kurusiripong, 33, a bank employee. “On the first day back I think they will talk about this thing, but they will work as hard as usual.”
KING’S SUPPORT: Gen Sonthi said he had the backing of revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej for the coup, after which he annulled the constitution, imposed martial law, banned public gatherings and closed much of the country’s land border.
Mr Thaksin had been facing mounting public anger after months of political turmoil following a botched election, and was dogged by allegations of corruption and cronyism.
But with his Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais) party still the largest in the country, and many poor rural areas still staunchly behind the telecoms tycoon, the generals ordered an immediate ban on all political party meetings.
“In order to maintain law and order, meetings of political parties and conducting of other political activities are banned,” the council said in its televised statement. “Political activities can resume when normalcy is restored,” it said.—AFP
