The United States warned today it was reconsidering cooperation with ally Thailand after a military coup, which Secretary of State John Kerry denounced as having "no justification."
Kerry urged the restoration of a civilian government, respect for press freedom and "early elections that reflect the will of the people."
"I am 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, and there is no justification for this military coup," he said.
"While we value our long friendship with the Thai people, this act will have negative implications for the US-Thai relationship, especially for our relationship with the Thai military."
Kerry did not specify measures but the Pentagon said it was reconsidering cooperation with Thailand on training exercises.
The drills, which started Monday and run through next Tuesday, involve about 700 US Marines and sailors.
"We've been reviewing our military-to-military assistance including the CARAT exercise," Pentagon spokesman Colonel Steven Warren told reporters, referring to the latest drills.
Kerry called on the Thai military to release detained leaders of political parties and voiced concern at the shutdown of media outlets.
"I urge the restoration of civilian government immediately, a return to democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, such as press freedoms. The path forward for Thailand must include early elections that reflect the will of the people," Kerry said.
Thailand is the oldest US ally in Asia and offered crucial support to the United States on conflicts including the Korean and Vietnam wars. The United States provides USD 11.4 million in aid to Thailand each year, including USD 3.7 million in military assistance.
Under domestic law, the United States is obliged to curb assistance to a foreign military if it carries out a coup. Washington briefly suspended aid after a previous coup in Thailand in 2006.
