BANGKOK, April 30 (TNA) – Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale has reiterated that the US. supports Thailand’s process to return to the elected civilian government during his one-day visit to Thailand as part of his week-long trip to Asia’s four countries.
During a short meeting with Thai press today, he offered congratulations to Thai people on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s coronation.
He said the US. viewed Thailand as strong ally. Hale met with Thai officials and representatives of civil society in Bangkok to discuss bilateral, regional, and ASEAN priorities and Thailand’s role as a leader in the region.
The two countries shared common goals in promoting regional security, trade and investment and working together in public health and transnational crime, he said.
Regarding Thailand’s transition to democracy, he said the US. supported Thailand for its effort to return to the elected civilian government.
As the country is in the post-election period, he hopes the results will be one that reflects the will of the Thai people while reiterating that the US. supports for the process, not for any particular party or any particular outcome.
“Our interests are making sure that there is fair and transparent process. What is important to us is that the process be sound,” he said.
Before arriving in Thailand, Under Secretary Hale visited Jakarta to meet ASEAN Permanent Representatives to reaffirm ASEAN’s central role in promoting a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
After Thailand, he will visit Myanmar and Japan from May 1-6. (TNA)
