Government scolds US envoy for Yingluck jibe

Government scolds US envoy for Yingluck jibe

Thai hearts wounded, deputy FM complains

Deputy Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai summoned the most senior official at the United States embassy in Bangkok Wednesday to express "disappointment" at comments made by an American envoy, saying the comments denouncing martial law and the impeachment of Yingluck Shinawatra "wounded the hearts" of many Thais.

During a visit here on Monday, US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel told a gathering at Chulalongkorn University, "When an elected leader is deposed from office, then impeached by the authority that implemented the coup — and is being targeted with criminal charges while basic democratic processes and institutions are interrupted — the international community is left with the impression that these steps could, in fact, be politically driven."

Mr Russel also said the US was concerned about the military government's restrictions on freedom of expression.

Mr Don said Wednesday the US envoy's remarks could fuel political rifts and "invited" US Charge d'Affaires to Thailand, W Patrick Murphy, to the ministry for a meeting to voice his disappointment.

"I called on Mr Murphy for a talk, which lasted about 30 minutes, to build understanding about our country's political situation. I also told him that feedback from the US left a wound in Thais' hearts," Mr Don said. "If Thailand was in the shoes of the US, I am sure our country would not have reacted in that way."

However, the deputy foreign minister denied the government showed an "aggressive" reaction toward the comments, saying Thailand does not ignore feedback from international friends.

"We are not acting aggressively, and we do not ignore advice from the US or other countries," Mr Don said.

"But Thailand is not a newly born nation. We have our own ways of solving problems and are taking serious steps to bring back democracy."

Mr Don said martial law is still necessary to prevent possible violence and to maintain order.

"If any country calls on Thailand to lift martial law and turmoil erupts, will that county take responsibility?" he said.

"The military coup on May 22 and the political upheaval in Thailand, in reality, have never affected activities between the two countries — business in particular. The coup is just in conflict with US democratic ideology."

US counter-reaction

Mr Murphy did not comment on the summons and US embassy spokeswoman Melissa Sweeney told local media the meeting between Mr Don and Mr Murphy was to discuss the countries' 182-year-diplomatic ties and Mr Russel's visit.

In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Mr Murphy went to the Foreign Minister "at the request of" Mr Don, but did not dispute characterising his visit as "being called in."

She said the deputy foreign minister explained the Thai government's point of view on Mr Russel's comments and Mr Murphy "reiterated our point of view and expressed our hope that we will continue to have an on-going dialogue."

Mr Russel's remarks led to a Wednesday protest in front of the US embassy as dozens of people from nationalist civic groups gathered outside the compound and demanded the US stop interfering in Thailand's internal affairs.

In a letter to the US embassy, the protesters said the US should have a better understanding of the Thai political situation.

They said the corruption case concerning Ms Yingluck is separate from politics.

Mr Don said Mr Murphy acknowledged the Thai reaction and pledged to consider his points. Thailand expected "more creative and positive" input from the US in the future and added that it would be impossible to cut off relations with the US.

"Personally, I prefer speaking constructively, which can help countries build themselves up from any difficulty. It is better to encourage each other during hard times," he said. "Democracy is about more than elections. Several elements, like the rule of law, are required to drive the country forward."

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said Mr Russel's remarks do not affect the long-standing relationship, but he regretted that the US misunderstood the impeachment of Ms Yingluck.

"The US has a different democratic view, so I wanted them to understand the political context in our country. I insist the government has no intention to hunt any particular family," he said without mentioning the Shinawatra family by name.

He said the National Council for Peace and Order would invite former foreign minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul in for an "attitude adjustment" after he made comments strongly critical of the government after Mr Russel's visit.

Asked whether Ms Yingluck would be invited, Gen Prayut said there would be no attitude adjustment for her.

"For Khun Yingluck, I have been honouring her as a former premier," he said.

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