United States holds military aid to Thailand

Washington, Sept 29: The United States last night ordered suspension of about 24 million dollars in military-related aid to Thailand in the wake of the September 19 military coup.

However, some humanitarian and other assistance will continue to be available to Thailand, an old US regional ally.

State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack said the affected programs include US credits to Thailand for purchases of military hardware, US-based education for Thai military personnel, and training for Thai forces that would be involved in international peacekeeping operations.

McCormack said strictly humanitarian aid including funds to help Thailand combat HIV-AIDS and avian flu would continue, and that waivers had been invoked to allow some security-related assistance to continue for anti-terrorism and counter-proliferation programs.

The United States called for a rapid return to democratic rule and early elections in Thailand, following which the affected aid programs will be reinstated.

The US action came as the military chiefs, who have run Thailand for the last two weeks prepared to name an interim government, including a new prime minister.

The military ousted civilian Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a bloodless coup September 19 amid charges of corruption and abuse of power by the former leader, is now in exile in London.

UNI

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