US hopes new PM will speedily move towards democracy
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The United States has said it hoped the selection of an interim PM was a step towards the setting up of an inclusive democratic institution and civilian government.
“We have urged the interim government, once formed, to institute an inclusive reform process that reflects the diversity of views within Thailand. We remain concerned about the limits on space for freedom of speech and assembly,” Marie Harf, deputy spokesperson for the US State Department, said.
The US-based Human Rights Watch also voiced concern yesterday that the observance of rights would deteriorate after the junta chief becomes prime minister.
“As both PM and junta leader, General Prayuth [Chan-ocha] can wield broad power without accountability,” Brad Adams, the Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said.
