Prayut says US hears one-sided stories

Prayut says US hears one-sided stories

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he felt sorry that the United States was listening to one-sided accounts about Thailand and did not understand its real context.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha speaks to reporters at Government House on Wednesday. (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)

Responding to US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel's negative comments on his government early this week, Gen Prayut said he communicated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that he was sorry that the representative of the US had spoken in a manner that reflected misunderstanding.

During his visit to Thailand on Monday, Mr Russel raised concerns about political fairness and martial law.

Gen Prayut said he felt sorry because the US had been a friend for over a century and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would inform it that Thailand had its own steps to a solution.

"Do not forget that our people, our lifestyle and our political leaders of the past are different from theirs. The US must also consider these contexts. In the past their representatives listened to the other side and we gave them freedom and did not oppose that. But they should double-check what they heard. They cannot listen to one-sided accounts," the prime minister said.

As Thailand's leader, Gen Prayut said he would not let any country intervene in its affairs as every nation had its dignity.

"I feel sorry for some expressions of opinion that are not right. It is not right to listen to that side and make such comments. I feel sorry for we have been friends for a long time," Gen Prayut said.

He urged concerned parties to be rational and said his government adhered to a system of justice.

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