U.S. Suspends Thai Aid Over Recent Coup
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WASHINGTON — The United States suspended nearly $24 million in aid to Thailand on Thursday because of the Asian nation’s military coup, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said.
He said there should be a “rapid return to democratic rule” and “early elections.”
Hours after McCormack spoke, Thai Auditor General Jaruvan Maintaka said military rulers had named Surayud Chulanont, a former army commander, interim prime minister.
The aid suspension affects more than $16 million in counter-terrorism and other training for the military, $3.3 million in peacekeeper training and $4 million for arms, officials said.
At least $9.8 million for humanitarian efforts and fighting terrorism and weapons of mass destruction will not be interrupted, McCormack said.
The Thai military launched a coup against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Sept. 19.
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