Queen Elizabeth's birthday celebration in Bangkok cancelled
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In line with the United Kingdom's reaction to the military coup, the British Embassy in Thailand announced yesterday that it had cancelled the reception to celebrate the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II on June 11 at a Bangkok hotel.
We regret to inform you that the reception to celebrate the Official Birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday, June 11, at the Grand Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, has been cancelled because of the current situation,” said the statement from the embassy.
The UK reacted strongly to the military coup last month, voicing concern about the “deterioration of the democratic environment in Thailand”.
Minister of State for Southeast Asia Hugo Swire said earlier that “in view of these negative developments, the UK is reviewing the scope of its cooperation with Thailand”.
Swire also voiced concern over the limitations on freedom of expression and assembly in the country imposed by the military junta after the coup.
“Arbitrary detentions, restrictions on local and foreign media, and limitations on freedoms of expression and assembly undermine trust in the intentions of the military leaders,” he said.
The UK urged the military authorities to provide a clear timetable for the restoration of a civilian government through elections.
