US chargé d’affaires meets Thai DPM

BANGKOK, February 11 (TNA) - US Chargé d’Affaires in Bangkok Patrick Murphy has discussed the United States' stance and policies with Thai Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Yuthavong at Government House on Wednesday. Murphy told journalists on Wednesday, after paying a courtesy call on the Thai deputy prime minister, that he raised long-time friendship between the United States and Thailand and a plan on expanding cooperation with the Thai Kingdom on science and technology, education and refugees. Murphy said he also reiterated Washington's stance on wanting to see a quick return to democracy in Thailand, the same view voiced by US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel during his recent visit to Thailand, although Wasthington understands the interim Thai govermnent's roadmap on national reform and democratic restoration. Murphy acknowledged that he shared the same concern of Russel on democracy in Thailand, expressing his hope that the Thai Kingdom would quickly restore democracy in order to benefit the whole Southeast Asian region and the world community. The US chargé d’affaires noted that he has been unaware of rumours that former female Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra may seek a political asylum overseas, probably in the United States, stressing that Washington does not take sides and the issue was not raised during his meeting with the Thai deputy premier. One day earlier, Interior Minister General Anupong Paojinda told journalists that all Thai people hope for true democracy, which is not different from the US demand. General Anupong opined, however, that democracy in Thailand needs to be sustainable and have legal foundations and the new Constitution should lead to a new general election and true democracy. The interior minister insisted that the interim Thai government and the army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) are determined to follow the national reform roadmap towards true democracy in Thailand. (TNA)