U.S. Resumes Military Aid To Thailand

The United States announced Wednesday the resumption of military aid to Thailand after the country returns to civilian rule. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte has determined and certified to Congress that a democratically elected government has taken office in Thailand, State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey said. As a result, the United States cancels the restrictions on assistance imposed on Thailand after the country had a coup in September, 2006, Casey said. Moreover, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill will visit Thailand to help advance relations with the country, Casey said. The new Thai government, a coalition of six parties led by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's People Power Party (PPP), took office after a general election was held in Dec. 23 last year, the first elected government after a military coup ousted the former administration of Thaksin Shinawatra on Sept. 19, 2006. Samak and 35 cabinet ministers were sworn in before King Bhumibol Adulyadejat's royal residence in central Bangkok - Chitralada Palace Wednesday after the cabinet list was endorsed by the King.