US Freezes Military Aid To Thailand

The United States government has suspended about $24 million in military aid to the government of Thailand as a result of the military coup there.

The United States has imposed sanctions against Thailand in response to the military coup which ousted civilian Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The move involves cutting off $24m (£12.8m) in military assistance, according to the US state department.

The US has urged the ruling generals to call elections as soon as possible.

Last week's coup has been widely welcomed in Thailand, but it has been condemned by most Western governments as a step backwards.

State department spokesman Sean McCormack said the aid cut involved military education and training, peacekeeping operations and counter-terrorism.

Funding for humanitarian purposes would however continue, he said.

The US is sending a message here that it disapproves of the coup. I suspect aid will be promptly restored once proper elections take place.