Obama wishes Thailand to successfully restore democracy

BANGKOK, February 19 (TNA) - Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha says that US President Barack Obama has wished Thailand to successfully restore democracy. Speaking to journalists at Thailand's main Suvarnabhumi International Airport on February 18 (local time) after flying back from the ASEAN-US Leaders Summit in California, the prime minister affirmed that US President Obama did not put any pressure on Thailand, but, instead, gave moral support for Bangkok's road to democracy. The prime minister said the US president had good manners, considered Thailand as part of the ASEAN Community (AC) and expressed his hope that the Thai Kingdom would successfully restore democracy. Denying reports that the US president Obama was paying attention to the domestic situation of Thailand and tried to exert pressure, the prime minister stressed only Thai people are trying to pressure compatriots. "We are reforming the nation. We respect international rules. There are steps towards democracy. I do not understand why we must pressure ourselves. I did not see the US president had any dislike. But this time, someone may be sad for having said that I would not have a chance to shake hands with President Obama but we shook hands tightly,” said Prime Minister General Prayut, who is also Chief of the Thai army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). On February 16, President Obama said during a meeting with the Thai premier that Washington will continue to encourage a return to civilian rule in Thailand. (TNA)