US calls planned Thai poll delay to 2016 'unwise'

The military government, established after a May 22 coup, said last month an election planned for late 2015 would be delayed until 2016, giving more time for reforms which the military says should bring stability after a decade of factional rivalry.

On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Wisanu Krue-ngam clarified the target date after talks with US Charge d'Affaires W Patrick Murphy.

  "I told the US charge d'affaires today elections will take place at the earliest in February 2016," Wisanu told reporters.

  "But if we have to have a referendum, polls could be delayed by a further three months," he said, referring to a possible plebiscite on a new constitution.

  The United States, a long-time ally of Thailand, expressed dismay at the coup and froze $4.7 million of security-related assistance, cancelled high-level engagements, some military exercises and training programs for the military and police.

  A spokesperson for the US State Department said Washington believed Thais should be allowed to choose a democratically elected government "as soon as possible."

  "We ... believe a delay until 2016 would be unwise and unjustified," the spokesperson added.

  The May coup followed months of protests against a populist elected government.

  A junta-appointed National Reform Council last week proposed stripping parliament of the power to appoint a prime minister and cabinet.

  On Tuesday, a committee appointed to draft a new constitution rejected that recommendation.

  A senior Western diplomat said he was not optimistic about the possibility of an election in 2016, fearing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the army chef who launched the coup, could come up with a justification to delay.

  "It is not inconceivable that Prayut will stay in power for two to three years," said the diplomat, who declined to be identified.