US calls again for return to democracy

THE UNITED STATES yesterday urged Thailand to restore democratic governance while stressing the importance of ensuring full respect is given to freedom of expression and other human rights such as fundamental liberties.

The principles are essential to securing stable and sustainable governance and institutions, said Sarah Sewall, the US under secretary for civilian security, democracy and human rights. 

Sewall also highlighted the value of an inclusive peace process to finding a lasting solution to the conflict in the deep South during her visit to Songkhla province yesterday, according to a US Embassy statement.

Sewall arrived in Thailand on Friday. 

She met with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday to discuss issues of concern including human trafficking. 

During that meeting, she praised the country for successfully combating human trafficking – a task which the United States and Thailand cooperate on.

Sewall based her assessment on what she observed at Songkhla’s Provincial Police Region 9 and the port in-port out control centre in Samut Sakhon province on Sunday, said deputy government spokesman Maj-General Werachon Sukondhapatipak.

Sewall was impressed by the hard work being performed by the two agencies to combat the issue sustainably, he said.

She also highlighted the Kingdom’s cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on regional irregular migration, he said, to which Prayut replied that his government had worked on the issue closely with the US and neighbouring countries.

The US Embassy said Sewall called on Thailand to continue providing protection to refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable people seeking a safe haven.

Werachon said Prayut reiterated that the government was following its roadmap to democracy, with a general election to be held next year.

The prime minister also told Sewall the government was working on anti-corruption campaigns, he said.

To counter concerns from human rights watchdogs, Prayut insisted that the government placed importance on protecting people’s rights and freedoms.

Prayut and Sewall also exchanged views on human rights protection, illegal fisheries, the Kingdom’s political stability and the new charter, Werachon said.

After the meeting, Sewall spoke at the US-Thai International Law Enforcement Academy, where she stressed the importance of regional cooperation in fighting crime, promoting respect for human rights and ensuring equal legal protection for everyone.

The US Embassy said the aim of Sewall’s trip was to engage senior government officials and representatives of civil society based on the 183-year-old partnership between the two countries.