US cancels military exercises with Thailand after military coup in Bangkok

The Pentagon announced on May 24 that it would cancel ongoing military exercises as well as planned visits by officials following the coup in Thailand.

“Despite our longstanding and productive military relationship with Thailand, our democratic principles and U.S. law require us to reconsider U.S. military assistance and engagement,” Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said in a statement.

Thai people protest against military coup (Source: Reuters)

On May 23, the US also announced that it had temporarily suspended providing $3.5 million in military aid to Thailand.

The amount accounts for about one-third of Washington's aid to this Southeast Asian ally.

US State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said Washington is also reviewing its remaining aid to Thailand, worth about $10.5 million in 2013, to find ways to further reduce it./.

According to VNA