PM says Obama didn’t pressure him over democracy
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Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has said that United States President Barack Obama did not pressure Thailand to commit to a speedy roadmap to democracy during the inaugural Asean-US summit in California.
Prayut spoke Thursday at Suvarnabhumi International Airport after returning to Thailand.
“The US president gave us moral support and wished us success when he learnt that we are moving forward on a democratic path. He did not pressure us – that we must do it now or do it swiftly or face punishment,’’ Prayut said.
The PM said only Thais tried to pressure the government to speed up the roadmap to democracy.
“If we want to reform, we have to respect the rules. We have to follow steps to be democratic,” he said. “I did not see that he despises me. Some people may feel sorry because they did not get to shake hands [with Obama]. He shook my hand firmly. He is polite.”
